Bristol-based brewery Dawkins Ales has announced it is closing its operations due to spiralling costs and slow recovery after the pandemic. The brewery is known for its award-winning Bristol Blonde, Foresters Black and Ultra.
Glen Dawkins has thanked all the customers over the years for their support. In a statement shared on social media, he said: "Despite the amazing efforts of the brilliant team we could not continue against the overwhelming headwinds of spiralling costs alongside post Covid recovery.
"I have seen many fellow brewers succumb and I am devastated to be joining them. Thank you to all our customers for their support as the brewery grew, helping us through recession and Covid."
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"Good beers and good times were had and we will miss you all. All the Dawkins pubs remain open doing what they do best - serving their communities. Please continue to support us here."
Glen founded Dawkins Taverns with the lease of The Miner’s Arms in St Werburghs back in 2002. The group has since grown to six pubs in Bristol, including The Hillgrove Porter Stores, The Victoria Ale House in Clifton and The Green Man in Kingsdown with additional venues in Scotland. The pubs will continue to remain open.
In 2010, Glen acquired Timsbury-based Matthews Brewing Co and moved its operations to Lanwood Road in Easton five years after the acquisition. Like many others in the hospitality sector, Dawkins Ales turned to home deliveries during the pandemic.
It also launched a crowdfunder in 2021 to help while the venues were closed, with pub trade forming 90 per cent of its business. Dawkins Ales will be marking its final day this Saturday (May 13) with a party at the Easton taproom from 3pm until 11pm. It's free entry for all.
The statement concluded with a plea to support the independent beer and pub industry, for those who are able to. "We are blessed with some excellent independent breweries and pubs in Bristol; raise a glass in them when you can!" he added.
It comes after Newton Park and Wild Beer breweries closed down in Bristol over the past few months. Last year, it was estimated over 80 breweries closed down in the UK, many due to the energy crisis and rising production costs.
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