Brewdog Temporarily Closes Bars Amid Sale Efforts
Scottish craft beer company Brewdog has closed all its bars for one day as it seeks to finalise the sale of its business.
The firm announced two weeks prior that it had engaged consultants AlixPartners following several years of unprofitability.
Brewdog, established in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, operates breweries and pubs worldwide, including approximately 60 locations across the UK.
Internal Communication and Operational Changes
Chief Executive James Taylor informed staff via an internal email that multiple staff meetings would occur on Monday, with bars closed to adhere to licensing regulations.
"We appreciate this is an unsettling time for everyone, and we want to ensure that all colleagues have the opportunity to hear directly from us about what happens next.
We will therefore be holding a series of company-wide All Hands calls tomorrow (Monday) for all employees across the whole business. These will be scheduled tomorrow.
To enable everyone to attend, and to comply with licensing issues arising from an anticipated change of ownership, we have taken the decision that none of our bars will open tomorrow (Monday). All sites will remain closed for the day.
We have also cancelled food and beer deliveries, as well as customer bookings, for that day."
Recent Business Adjustments
Last month, Brewdog ceased production of its gin and vodka brands at its Ellon, Aberdeenshire distillery to sharpen its business focus.
In October of the previous year, the company announced job reductions following a reported £37 million loss.
Earlier in 2025, Brewdog revealed plans to close 10 bars across the UK, including its flagship pub in Aberdeen.
Company Overview and Workforce
The company employs around 1,400 people and maintains breweries not only in Ellon but also in the United States, Australia, and Germany.
Founding and Industry Position
Founded in Aberdeenshire, Brewdog initially positioned itself as a rebellious challenger to the UK brewing industry, which it viewed as traditional and corporate.
Controversies and Leadership Changes
In 2024, Brewdog faced criticism after announcing it would no longer hire new employees at the real living wage, opting instead to pay the legal minimum wage.
A BBC documentary raised allegations concerning the conduct of former Chief Executive James Watt. A complaint regarding the documentary was filed with broadcasting regulator Ofcom but was ultimately dismissed.
Subsequently, Watt stepped down as CEO and assumed a newly created role titled "captain and co-founder."
Martin Dickie departed from the company last year, citing personal reasons for his decision.
