Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced plans to close Wychwood Brewery.
The brewery is expected to shut from November this year, in line with the break clause on CMBC’s lease with the landlord who owns the site, CMBC said.
Based in Witney, Oxfordshire, the brewery will operate as normal over the coming months.
Wychwood’s brands, including Hobgoblin Ales and Firecatcher, will continue to be brewed within the CMBC network, for example in Marston’s Burton-on-Trent brewery, following the site’s closure.
Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company is a £273m joint venture with Carlsberg and Marston’s formed in 2020, which saw the Danish beer company become the controlling shareholder over Marston’s beer portfolio.
CEO Paul Davies said: “We understand the depth of feeling towards Wychwood Brewery and have tremendous pride in our team there.
“Our number one focus is giving them all the support they need as we begin the consultation on this proposal.
“The UK ale market is an incredibly competitive space, and combined with a turbulent economic outlook for the UK provides for a challenging environment for industry to navigate.”
CMBC said it is providing support to six employees at the brewery during the consultation period and will also explore opportunities for redeployment within the business.
The company added it would be working with partners and customers in the region to ensure they are prepared and supported through the change.
“By making use of the break clause in our lease for Wychwood Brewery, we can consolidate our brewing network to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, supporting ongoing investment in our people and business”, Davies added.
Earlier this year, CMBC revealed plans to sell Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire, citing the venue’s location being in a residential area making expansion “complicated”.
On the proposed sale of Ringwood Brewery, Davies said: “We are confident that, by taking these actions now, we can ensure we continue to grow, innovate and deliver great beers across the UK, putting us in the best possible position to achieve success now and in the future.”
