This is an important announcement from the Board of New Lion Brewery. In this time of unprecedented hardship for craft brewing and hospitality businesses, the Board of New Lion Brewery has reached the difficult decision that in order to continue trading, it is no longer viable for us to manage both our brewery and Taproom as a single business.
Small and medium-sized breweries across the UK have been going out of business in large numbers, as have pubs and bars, partly as a result of the impacts of COVID, the cost of living crisis and the huge rise in energy bills.
Therefore, as of yesterday, the board of New Lion Brewery have made the decision to cease trading at the New Lion Brewery Taproom in Dartington in order to consult with our members on a new approach for the future of our currently mothballed brewery. 279 members of the community invested in our brewery and we feel this is the correct decision to try and ensure the brewery that initially inspired them remains viable. We will be holding an AGM with them soon to explore this.
We as a Board, alongside the Taproom’s landlords the Dartington Recreation Association (DRA) who we have worked with in a very positive manner over the past year and a half, recognise that the Taproom has become an important part of the local community which would be much missed if it were to close.
To that end, the Board, with the support of the DRA, have entered into an agreement with the New Lion Brewery management team for them to operate the taproom independently. We are pleased to be able to say that that the management team of Ed, Jac and Jasmine will be running the Taproom as a new business, Things Happen Here, providing the same great selection of beers and events for the community to enjoy. If you would like to receive news about Things Happen Here you can subscribe to their mailing list at https://mailchi.mp/89018c13684e/things-happen-here)
You may have noticed the lack of New Lion Brewery beers in the Taproom and in local shops over the past few months. This was because we were forced, for now at least, to suspend brewing operations due to the factors already noted. It is our hope that, if our investors feel they want to step up and bring about a New Lion Brewery once again focused purely on brewing, that our fine beers will find a way to remain as a part of your life.
We would like to thank you for your understanding and support and we will aim to update you all further following our AGM, which will be held in two weeks. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for your support, love, custom and belief.