World Famous Dive Bars has agreed to acquire Bristol-based Good Chemistry Brewing. The deal will take place later this month.
Bob Cary and Kelly Sidgwick (left), of Good Chemistry Brewing, with Marc Griffiths and Patrick Daly, of World Famous Dive Bars
The current Good Chemistry operations will continue from their St Philips’ base, and the brewery’s team, brands, and taproom will remain in place.
Good Chemistry Brewing has been a fixture on Bristol’s beer scene since 2015. The company operates a brewery, occasional taproom, and a small portfolio of local pubs. It has built a reputation for collaborative, community-minded brewing.
The deal involves the brewery, its production facilities, and taproom. The pubs will remain in the hands of Good Chemistry’s founders, Kelly Sidgwick and Bob Cary.
World Famous Dive Bars, a long-standing Bristol hospitality group with a portfolio of well-loved venues and a music-forward ethos, will operate Good Chemistry as a distinct brewing arm within its wider group. It intends to invest in capacity, route to market, and local outreach to help the brewery grow.
“We’ve always admired what Good Chemistry has done for Bristol’s independent beer culture — great recipes, genuine community ties, and an obvious care for sustainability and quality,” said Marc Griffiths, one of the directors of World Famous Dive Bars.
“Our plan is simple: keep everything that makes Good Chemistry special, and back it so it can reach more locals, pubs, and beer lovers across the city and beyond.”
Kelly said: “We’ve worked with WFDB for a number of years. supplying their venues with our beer, so it’s great to see them investing in the brewing side of the industry. We wish them all the best with Good Chemistry and are excited to see what they will achieve as it heads into its second decade.
“Bob and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get the business to where it is today, and we hope Bristol’s venues and beer drinkers will continue to support this independent local business.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Good Chemistry’s brewing operations, can shop, and East Bristol premises will remain active, and World Famous Dive Bars has committed to maintaining the brewery’s existing relationships with Bristol venues and independent retailers.
