BrewDog beers axed by almost 2000 pubs in the UK

BrewDog faces a sharp reduction in distribution as almost 2000 UK pubs stop selling its beer.

BrewDog beers axed by almost 2000 pubs in the UK

BrewDog has seen its beer dropped by almost 2,000 pubs across the UK, with Punk IPA distribution at the Ellon brewery down by more than half over the past two years. The company also announced the closure of 10 bars and warned about around 100 jobs at risk. Industry data provided to The Telegraph by an insider shows BrewDog losing share to rivals like Camden Town and Beavertown as its on-trade reach shrinks. Last year the group reported a pre tax loss of £59 million for 2023, continuing a four year streak of losses that include £12.5 million in 2020, £9.4 million in 2021, and £30.5 million in 2022.

BrewDog says the squeeze is felt across independent brewers and that the decline was anticipated. An insider warned that the axing could push BrewDog to rely more on the 794 JD Wetherspoon pubs, a move that could threaten Punk IPA’s status in the pub trade if that account were to falter. Lauren Carroll, BrewDog’s chief operating officer, notes that the market is changing and the company is shifting to high impact channels such as festivals, stadiums, and independent pubs.

The drop in pub distribution highlights how a niche beer brand navigates a crowded market with rising costs. BrewDog’s pivot toward festivals and stadiums signals a push for visibility in high-traffic settings, but it also raises reliance on a few large partners. The challenge for the brand is balancing scale with authenticity, ensuring its core fans stay connected while expanding into venues where price sensitivity matters more.

This episode underscores a broader trend in the beer industry: economic pressures are reshaping which channels survive and how brands tell their stories in public spaces. The long-term question is whether BrewDog can rebuild broad on-sale momentum without compromising the edgy identity that helped it grow.

Highlights

The industry will watch how BrewDog navigates this downturn.