Bristol Brewery announces closure
Dawkins Ales say "spiralling costs" are to blame
A West Country brewery says "spiralling costs" mean it is having to close its doors for the final time.
Dawkins Ales, which is based in Bristol announced the news in a post on Facebook today (11 May), saying it was doing so, "with a heavy heart".
It comes with increased inflation and interest rates putting more pressure on businesses and individuals alike.
This morning the Bank of England announced it was increasing the base rate of interest to 4.5 per cent, which is likely to have a major impact on mortgages.
"Despite the amazing efforts of the brilliant team we could not continue against the overwhelming headwinds of spiralling costs alongside post Covid recovery," Glenn Dawkins says in the Facebook post.
"I have seen many fellow brewers succumb and I am devastated to be joining them."
Dawkins' pubs in Bristol will be staying open.
It was widely reported that the recent Coronation weekend was set to give pubs nationwide a multi-million pound boost, but that has been questioned by one pub owner in Bath, who blamed poor weather for keeping people away.
"Thank you to all our customers for their support as the brewery grew, helping us through recession and Covid. Good beers and good times were had and we will miss you all, Glenn Dawkins' statement continues.
"All the Dawkins pubs remain open doing what they do best - serving their communities.
"Please continue to support us here.
"We are blessed with some excellent independent breweries and pubs in Bristol; raise a glass in them when you can!"
Bristol West MP and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons has expressed her disappointment at the news.
"We have some fantastic local breweries - hope those remaining can keep going in these incredibly tough times," she said in a post on Twitter.