A significant restructuring at Brewdog has led to the loss of 484 jobs following a brief 15-minute Teams call on March 4, 2024. The Scottish brewer announced that it would close 38 bars as part of a deal to sell the business to the US firm Tilray, which has acquired various assets, including Brewdog’s global brand and brewing operations in the UK and Ireland.
During the call, hosted by James Taylor, Brewdog’s chief executive, and Ian Partidge of restructuring specialists AlixPartners, staff were informed of the immediate impact on their employment. “There is no viable interest in these bars,” Taylor conveyed, leading to widespread dismay among employees. “Your role is no longer required. Your position has formally been made redundant,” he added.
The abrupt nature of the announcement left many employees feeling distressed. One former staff member, who chose to remain anonymous, described the atmosphere during the call as “upset, worried, [and] panicked about paying rent.” The employee noted that “all but 11 bars were made redundant,” emphasizing the emotional toll on those affected by the decision.
Following the announcement, Brewdog confirmed that only three bars would continue operating in Scotland: Dogtap in Ellon, Doghouse in Edinburgh, and the location on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road. These establishments were not included in the £33 million rescue deal, which has raised concerns about the viability of Brewdog’s future operations.
The restructuring follows a challenging year for Brewdog, which reported losses of £37 million in 2024 and had previously ceased operations at its state-of-the-art distillery opened in 2016. The company has faced increasing scrutiny and financial difficulties attributed to challenging market conditions in the drinks and hospitality sectors.
Local MP Harriet Cross, who represents Ellon, expressed her dismay regarding the job losses. “The loss of 484 jobs and the closure of 38 bars is disastrous, both for the North East and the rest of the UK,” she stated. Cross emphasized the impact on hardworking staff who have been affected through no fault of their own.
In response to her concerns, Cross revealed that Tilray assured her that brewing operations in Ellon remain central to the business and that there are no plans to relocate production from Scotland. Nevertheless, she indicated that she would reach out to Brewdog’s new owners to seek clarity on the future of the affected roles and the support available for employees during this unsettling period.
The situation at Brewdog highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality industry, as businesses grapple with financial hardships and shifting consumer demands. As the company navigates this transition, the focus remains on understanding the long-term implications for both employees and the brand itself.
