Harrogate-based Rooster’s Brewery has announced the acquisition of Daleside Brewery, having raised a substantial amount of new capital from a private investor.
It’s a deal: Rooster’s chairman Ian Fozard shakes hands with Daleside managing director Eric Lucas
Also based in the North Yorkshire spa town, Daleside will continue to operate as a separate company with its existing team of staff and its well-loved range of beers. This includes Monkey Wrench, Morocco Ale, and the ever–popular Daleside Blonde.
The operation of the Daleside business will, in due course, transfer and fill spare capacity at Rooster’s Brewery in Hornbeam Park, Harrogate. However, the two businesses will continue to trade separately within their respective markets, with the Daleside portfolio of beers brewed by their existing team, using their own dedicated strain of yeast.
Daleside was founded in 1991 by Bill Witty, who passed away in 2007. Eric Lucas joined the brewery in 1993, eventually becoming managing director.
For more than 30 years, he and the Daleside team ensured that the brewery’s brands were enjoyed across the UK and abroad. Following the change of ownership, Eric and his fellow shareholders are stepping down from the business to enjoy retirement.
“We are delighted to enable the Daleside business to continue beyond Eric’s retirement,” said Rooster’s chairman, Ian Fozard. “We know the business and the team well and, with only a few miles between us, have helped each other countless times out over the years.
“In addition, my son, Oliver, Rooster’s head brewer, did his apprenticeship and cut his teeth in the world of brewing at Daleside in the early 2000s, while I was also a good friend of the Daleside founder, Bill Witty.”
Eric added: “I’m delighted that the long-term future of Daleside Brewery, its team, and its brands have been secured and will remain in Harrogate with the highly respected and acclaimed Rooster’s Brewery.
“Being with Daleside has been an astonishing and enjoyable journey. On behalf of myself and my fellow owners, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and has been part of this great Daleside experience. I’m sure that we’re all looking forward to many pints of both Daleside and Rooster’s beers in the future.”
