Brew York have announced that they are now shipping 14 of their beers to China, one of the world’s fastest-growing craft beer markets.
The initial shipment includes five pallets of beer sent via air freight, travelling from Brew York’s cold store to being poured fresh on taps across China in less than 10 days. To celebrate, Brew York is hosting a series of tap takeovers in key cities across the country.
“When we founded Brew York nearly 10 years ago, we could only dream of seeing our beers poured on the other side of the world,” said brewery co-founder Wayne Smith.
“China’s appetite for craft beer is booming, and we’re thrilled to be part of that story — bringing the creativity and character of Brew York to an entirely new audience.”
Sam Warren-Close, export and logistics manager, added: “This project is a huge step forward for our export strategy. Getting our beers from York to China in under 10 days ensures drinkers can experience Brew York exactly as we intended — fresh, flavourful, and full of character.”
• Alaric Neville has stood down as managing director of Phipps NBC after 17 years, handing the reins to his cousin, Johnny.
The original Phipps Northampton brewery closed in 1974, but the brand was revived in 2008, contract brewed at Grainstore in Rutland.
But in 2015 a brewery was established on the site of the former Albion Brewery, and the brewing returned to Northampton.
On handing over to Johnny, Alaric told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo: “I’m 64, he’s 40, and it’s a good time for him to crack on and do something. I’ve passed it on to him, and with the one proviso that they don’t mess with the IPA, it’s his to play with.”
• Brewery Wharf Tavern, in Leeds, has been opened by Ed Mason, co-founder of Five Points Brewing Co. He also runs Whitelock’s Ale House, The Meanwood Tavern, and White Cloth Hall in Leeds.
Brewery Wharf Tavern will operate as an independent free house, showcasing a wide range of independent beer and real ale alongside cocktails and wine, and championing Yorkshire-based food and drink suppliers.
• Andy Driscoll, who has long experience with companies such as Constellation Cold Logistics, Valeo Snackfoods, and Kettle Foods, has been named as Adnams’ new chief financial officer.
“Andy is a great fit for our business and will play a very important part as we continue our focus on growth and profitability,” said chief executive Jenny Hanlon.
“We are very clear on our strategic emphasis in the months ahead – namely Ghost Ship and Destination Southwold – and Andy’s experience will help ensure we remain on course with that approach, and that we deliver outstanding outcomes for our shareholders and our loyal customers too.”
• Turnover at Robinsons increased to a record £97.9m in the year to 31st December, 2024. Operating profit rose from £6.1m to £6.2m.
“We’ve taken this year to strengthen and continue momentum in the business,” said Oliver and William Robinson in a statement. “In our managed houses we focused on consolidation, following several acquisitions in recent years.
“The trade continued to be strong, whilst we have invested and focused on delivering a great customer experience.”
The owners of craft beer and pizza venue Crate, in Hackney Wick, London, are to open a second site. The new venue will be on Canary Wharf, offering lagers, pale ales, stouts, and ciders, alongside a new range of experimental soda cocktails.
“We feel so lucky to have built an incredible community in Hackney Wick, then we found a space in Wood Wharf that we fell in love with and wanted to bring the authentic Crate vibe to,” said Crate co-founder Jess Seaton.
• Stonegate has revealed that it has invested more than £6.5m in its Slug & Lettuce brand over the past 18 months. The money has paid for 12 completed refurbishments, with four more planned before the end of the financial year.
As we mark Slug & Lettuce’s 40th anniversary, it’s a great time to reflect on how far the brand has come, from one bar in 1985 to a household name on the British high street, and to look ahead with excitement about its next chapter,” said Stonegate chief executive David McDowall.
• Chestnut Group has acquired the Titchwell Manor pub, in Titchwell, North Norfolk. It takes the East Anglian company’s estate to 23.
