In a move that’s left both beer lovers and staff stunned, Scottish craft beer giant BrewDog has announced the closure of 10 of its bars—including the original one in Aberdeen that kicked off the brand’s rise to fame.
The decision comes amid financial struggles and a broader shake-up under new leadership.
Let’s break down what’s happening and why BrewDog, once the punk darling of the craft beer world, is tightening its belt.
Big Changes as BrewDog Tries to Find Its Footing Again
BrewDog, best known for its Punk IPA and rebellious image, is making some serious changes to its operations.
The closures are part of a wider effort to streamline its business, with the company admitting that some of its pubs just aren’t making enough money anymore.
Staff were reportedly informed just after noon today, and while the company says it plans to move “many” of them to other locations, others will unfortunately be out of work.
Some closures could even happen as soon as this week, according to union reps.
A Bittersweet Goodbye to Some Well-Loved Bars
Among the bars set to shut down are three major London spots—Camden, Shoreditch, and Shepherd’s Bush—as well as pubs in Brighton, Leeds, Oxford, Sheffield, York, Dundee, and notably, the Aberdeen Gallowgate location where it all began back in 2010.
That first bar, just down the road from BrewDog’s headquarters in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, holds a lot of sentimental value for both fans and employees.
Its closure marks the end of an era for the brand.
BrewDog’s CEO Admits the Numbers Are “Not Happy Reading”
New CEO James Taylor didn’t sugarcoat things when he spoke to investors.
He described BrewDog’s financial results as far from ideal, pointing to expected pre-tax losses for 2024 despite £7.5 million in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation).
Still, Taylor remains optimistic about the second half of the year.
He emphasized a new strategy that focuses more on larger “destination” venues like the company’s flagship in Waterloo, which boasts quirky features like a bowling alley and a giant slide.
Staff Given Little Warning, Union Slams BrewDog
Unite Hospitality, the union representing many BrewDog workers, has come down hard on the company.
It claims some employees were given just three days’ notice that their workplaces were closing, calling the move “morally repugnant” and potentially illegal.
Union rep Bryan Simpson accused BrewDog of disregarding employment laws and failing to consider the wellbeing of its staff.
He said the union is now helping workers challenge the redundancies and is encouraging anyone affected to seek legal support.
BrewDog Responds to the Backlash
In response to the criticism, BrewDog insists it’s holding a proper consultation process that will last at least two weeks.
The company also says it’s doing everything it can to support those leaving, and to redeploy as many people as possible to other roles.
A spokesperson explained the closures were a “difficult decision” and part of a plan to focus on locations that better align with their long-term goals.
A Tumultuous Few Years for the Craft Beer Rebel
BrewDog has had more than its fair share of controversies in recent years.
From facing misconduct allegations against its former CEO James Watt, to environmental claims about its carbon footprint being called into question, the brand has been through the wringer.
Watt stepped down in 2024, just months after losing a complaint against the BBC over a documentary investigating workplace culture at BrewDog.
Since then, the company has been trying to rebuild under fresh leadership, including wiping its social media accounts and attempting a brand refresh.
The “Punk” Image Starts to Feel a Bit Worn
Once the face of anti-corporate beer culture, BrewDog has increasingly come under fire for not living up to its punk ethos.
From investing in Heineken to scaling back its climate promises, critics say the brand is now more mainstream than maverick.
Environmental groups were especially vocal after it was revealed that many of the trees in its self-proclaimed “carbon negative” forest had died, raising eyebrows about how serious the company really is about sustainability.
The Future Focus: Bigger Venues, Smaller Community Pubs
Going forward, BrewDog wants to zero in on two things: flashy flagship bars that draw crowds and smaller local pubs that serve tight-knit communities.
It’s a clear pivot away from the brand’s previous goal of rapid expansion.
CEO James Taylor remains adamant that the public still sees BrewDog as a top-tier beer maker.
In a recent interview, he said, “The data shows consumers still associate us with high-quality beer. That’s what really matters.”
A Snapshot of What’s Closing
Here’s the list of BrewDog bars set to close:
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Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate)
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Brighton
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Camden
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Dundee
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Leeds (North Street)
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Oxford
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Sheffield
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Shepherd’s Bush
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Shoreditch
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York