Craft beer chain BrewDog has revealed it will close 10 of its bars later this week, including its original venue in Aberdeen.
The closures are believed to be part of a new strategic shift for BrewDog’s hospitality division and are expected to put around 100 jobs at risk.
The bar chain stated that it had made efforts to keep the sites open, but admitted it 'has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable.'
All 10 venues are scheduled to close on July 26, after which a consultation process lasting at least 14 days will begin.
Chief Executive James Taylor informed staff that the closures are part of a wider refresh of BrewDog’s estate, driven in part by “rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures” affecting the hospitality sector.
He added that BrewDog remains committed to expanding its bar business, with plans to open more large venues in 'destination' locations, as well as additional smaller bars in local communities.
A BrewDog spokesman said: 'We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint.
'This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division’s focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures.
'We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network.
'For those leaving the business, we’re providing as much support as possible during this transition.'
Full list of Brewdog pubs to close
. Aberdeen Gallowgate
. Brighton
. Camden, London
. Dundee
. Leeds North Street
. Oxford
. Sheffield
. Shepherds Bush, London
. Shoreditch, London
. York
