Following an announcement from administrators, it has been confirmed that BrewDog Bournemouth is closing its doors with immediate effect.
The site on at BH2 on Upper Terrace Road, a staple for craft beer enthusiasts since it opened, is one of 38 bars being shuttered nationwide. The news comes as the Scottish beermaker looks to complete a sale of the business after failing to turn a profit in recent years.
The closure is part of a wider restructuring led by consultants AlixPartners. While BrewDog grew from a small Scottish start-up in 2007 to a global brand, the current economic climate has proven insurmountable for many of its locations.
-
Total Closures: 38 bars across the UK.
-
Job Losses: Approximately 484 roles are affected nationwide.
-
The Reason: A failure to reach profitability and an impending change of ownership.
On Monday, all BrewDog sites remained closed to facilitate internal staff meetings. In an email to employees, Chief Executive James Taylor noted that the closures were necessary to "comply with licensing issues arising from an anticipated change of ownership."
A Local Loss
For those of us at VisitBournemouth.com, it’s always tough to see a prominent venue go dark. The Bournemouth bar was more than just a place for a pint of Punk IPA; it was a modern, dog-friendly hub that brought a specific energy to the town centre.
The loss of 484 jobs nationally is a heavy statistic, but here on the ground, our thoughts are primarily with the local team members in Bournemouth who have lost their livelihoods today. The hospitality industry is the heartbeat of our town, and seeing such a recognizable name depart is a stark reminder of the challenges our high streets face.
What’s Next for the Site?
While the "BrewDog" sign may be coming down, the location remains a prime spot in the heart of Bournemouth. We are hopeful that a new venture will see the potential in the space and breathe new life into it soon.
A Note to Our Readers: If you had a booking or a special event planned at the Bournemouth branch, the company has confirmed that all customer bookings and deliveries for the immediate period have been cancelled.