BrewDog, the well-known Scottish craft brewery, has announced significant layoffs affecting 484 employees and the closure of 38 bars as part of a restructuring plan following a recent sale agreement. On March 4, 2024, during a brief 15-minute Teams call, staff learned their roles had been made redundant, a decision that has left many employees in distress.
The call was conducted by BrewDog’s chief executive, James Taylor, alongside representatives from AlixPartners, the restructuring firm overseeing the process. Employees were informed that “there is no viable interest in these bars” and that their positions had been formally terminated. Affected staff were advised to contact local job centres to secure their statutory entitlements.
A former employee, who chose to remain anonymous, described the situation as chaotic. “We waited until 15:45 and then were told we had no job anymore. The staff were devastated, worried about how to pay their rent,” they said. The meeting did not allow for questions, exacerbating the sense of urgency and anxiety.
Under the terms of a £33 million deal, Tilray, a US-based company with several craft breweries under its belt, acquired various BrewDog assets, including the brand and intellectual property. The acquisition also includes the UK brewing operations and 11 pub locations across the UK and Ireland. However, only three bars in Scotland will remain operational: Dogtap in Ellon, Doghouse in Edinburgh, and a bar on Lothian Road in Edinburgh.
This restructuring comes on the heels of BrewDog’s disappointing financial performance, posting losses of £37 million in 2024. The company previously announced job cuts at its head office and brewery in Ellon, a location that has been central to its operations since its founding in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie.
Local MP Harriet Cross, whose constituency encompasses BrewDog’s headquarters, expressed deep concern over the layoffs and bar closures. “The loss of 484 jobs and the closure of 38 bars is disastrous for the North East and the rest of the UK. My immediate thoughts go to the hardworking staff impacted by this through no fault of their own,” she stated.
Cross noted that Tilray has assured her that brewing operations in Ellon remain a priority and that there are no plans to relocate production. She emphasized the need for clarity regarding the future of affected roles and the support available for staff during this challenging transition.
This announcement highlights broader issues within the drinks and hospitality industries, where financial difficulties are increasingly common due to challenging market conditions. Cross indicated that she would reach out to BrewDog’s new owners to seek answers regarding future plans and support for those impacted.
As BrewDog navigates this difficult period, the implications of these cuts will resonate not only within the company but also throughout the local economy that relies on its presence.
