North Brewing has been saved from closure by Steve Holt, founder of Kirkstall Brewery. It will continue to operate independently, with its existing management team.
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 close.
The founders of North, John Gyngell and Christian Townley, have known and worked closely with Steve since the earliest days of the North brand, since the opening of North Bar in 1997. As their respective businesses have expanded, the Leeds beer scene has grown with them, said a social media post.
“We’ve been friends and industry colleagues for almost 30 years,” said Steve. “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.”
The purchase sees John and Christian remain at the helm of the business, and also secures the jobs of 78 employees.
John said: “We are pleased to have found a solution for our team and the legacy of the North brand.”
Christian added: “This has been an absolutely torrid time for the brewing industry, which has faced the fallout from Covid, a cost of living crisis, inflation, Brexit, and utility price increases.
“We recognise that this has been a really difficult time for the stakeholders and creditors. The new company will be known as Vertical Drinks Ltd, trading as North.”
