North Brewing, the beloved brewery and bar group in Leeds, has successfully emerged from administration. This afternoon, it was revealed that Steve Holt, the Founder and Director of Kirkstall Brewery, has acquired the business to ensure the ongoing success of North.
Holt is well-acquainted with the industry, having been a part of the early stages of the craft beer market in the UK, collaborating with North Brewing’s founders, John Gyngell and Christian Townsley. As the market progressed, both Kirkstall and North expanded their business operations.
North will continue to operate as an independent brewery, run by the existing management team. conducting operations from its Springwell site.
The move will ensure North’s future, including its Springwell Brewery and Taproom, as well as the North Taproom sites in Leeds and Manchester. The transaction does not include the North Taproom in Birmingham, which will now close. The newly formed entity will go by the name Vertical Drinks Ltd, operating under the trade name North.
The acclaimed North, previously recognized as North Brewing Co, holds a special significance for Leeds residents and craft beer enthusiasts nationwide.
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Boasting an impressive brewery near Meanwood Road, several city center bars, and the multimillion-pound Springwell site inaugurated in 2021, any North venue has consistently been a popular destination for enjoying quality beers – a tradition that will now continue.
John Gyngell of North said, “We are pleased to have found a solution for our team and the legacy of the North brand’ whilst Christian Townsley of North added: ‘this has been an absolutely torrid time for the brewing industry which has faced the fallout from Covid, Cost of living crisis, Inflation, Brexit and utility price increases”.
Steve Holt of Kirkstall Brewery said “We’ve been friends and industry colleagues for almost 30 years, North is an iconic beer brand that had to continue. Together we’ll make sure that North will continue to make some of the best beer in the country.”
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