Popular Manchester brewery, Beatnikz Republic, has announced that it has ceased trading. Owner Paul Greetham confirmed the news via a pained statement on the brewery’s website, citing a difficult recovery from successive lockdowns and increasing business costs.
Brewing from beneath the railways arches of Red Bank since 2017, Beatnikz Republic gradually expanded it’s Manchester portfolio - first with the opening of a Northern Quarter bar on Dale Street in 2018, and later with Lättsam, a scandi-inspired café bar at Spring Gardens, which opened its doors in December 2020 just before Manchester was plunged back into another lockdown.
In his statement, Paul clarified that Beatnikz Republic NQ Bar on Dale Street would still continue trading as normal. The bar is a separate company and therefore is not impacted directly by the brewery’s closure.
Paul said: "It’s with great sadness that we announce that Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co. has ceased trading. It has been a painful decision, but the right one. It’s an incredibly sad time and closing is something we never wished we had to do.
“There are a number of reasons why we’ve had to make this difficult decision. We tried our best to make it through Covid, but the negative impact over the last two years has proven too much. From the initial shock, to constantly starting/stopping production due to the various lockdowns, to lower sales this year, the financial implications have been disastrous.
“Our ability to export in volume had also reduced due to increased transport costs; and now with increased utility, ingredient and packaging costs, it’s simply not possible to continue. From the start, Beatnikz Republic has been a project of passion and one that I have worked on for 10 years; from home brewing, to a side hustle alongside the day job, to a nationally/internationally recognised brewery.
“I’m proud of the beers we’ve produced and the growth we’ve experienced over the years. We can only attribute these excellent beers and growth to our amazing team members; this has been made possible due to their tireless dedication, effort and craftsmanship – so a very big thank you to them all.
“We also need to thank our suppliers, many of whom have been exceptional in their responses to the impact during Covid. The craft beer industry is very unique and one I’ll be sad to be leaving.
"In some slightly better news, the Beatnikz Republic NQ Bar on Dale Street will continue trading as normal. This is an entirely separate company and is not impacted directly by the brewery’s closure.
“I’m personally very proud of creating this amazing space (along with highly skilled architects, contractors and team members) and have been delighted to see it become a recognised destination within Manchester’s extraordinary beer scene. I have resigned my position as director and the current shareholders have taken over 100%, so I am no longer part of the bar company; however, I encourage everyone to visit as often as possible as the beers are great and the staff are incredibly skilled and welcoming.
“I know I’ll still be a frequent visitor. And lastly, I need to thank two more groups of people.
“Firstly, my family for putting up with me being way too stressed for too long; their support has been instrumental. And finally: You! It’s only because of your support that the brewery has been able to become what it has – so thank you!!!"
Last month, it was reported that the average price of a pint could shoot up between 16 and 20p, as pubs battled with a number or rising costs. Both brewing and hospitality industries are facing sky-rocketing costs, from grain to make beer, to energy to light and hear venues and fuel to power its deliveries.
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