A round-up of stories and snippets from brewing and hospitality, and the latest business news in brief
Attic Brew Co has purchased the site in Stirchley that houses its brewery and award-winning taproom, which between them employ around 50 staff. The deal was backed by a seven-figure funding package from NatWest, and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through fund manager Frontier Development Capital.
The 56,000 sq ft site, off Mary Vale Road, is also home to a number of other independent businesses, which will continue to operate as usual. The site was acquired from a private landlord who was looking to retire.
Attic Brew Co was founded by university pals Sam Back and Oli Hurlow, who initially operated from Sam’s attic in Kings Heath before opening the brewery in 2018. The company now also has a second bar, Barrel Store, in the Jewellery Quarter.
• Robinsons Brewery has been accredited as a silver Carbon Literate Organisation by The Carbon Literacy Project. This recognises the family-owned brewery and pub company’s continued commitment to tackling climate change, reducing organisational carbon emissions, and building a low-carbon culture across its brewery, head office, and pub operations.
“Carbon Literacy has helped us turn sustainability from an ambition into practical action, giving our people the knowledge and confidence to make better decisions every day,” said managing director William Robinson. “As a family business rooted in our communities, we know we have a responsibility to reduce our impact, support our people and play our part in building a lower-carbon future for hospitality.”
• Karsten Neuffer has joined the BarthHaas Group as its first group chief executive. He brings extensive global experience in the agriculture and food industry, together with a strong track record of leading organisations through growth, transformation, and change. In his new role, he will assume overall responsibility for the BarthHaas Group, which comprises BarthHaas, John I Haas, and Hop Products Australia.
• Nirvana have picked up eight honours at the World Beer Awards. IPA and Pils Lager led the way, with both beers winning gold and being named country winners in the no and low category. There were silver medals for Hazy Grapefruit Lager, Helles Bavarian Lager, and Hefeweizen, and a bronze for stout.
• Turnover and pre-tax profit fell at brewer and retailer George Bateman in the year to 31st January. Turnover fell to £21,217,113 from £21,781,463 the year before, and pre-tax profit was at £2,002,435 (£2,256,185). Operating profit was down 13% to £1,949,000.
• Hall & Woodhouse saw underlying pre-tax profit increase 16% to a record £9.3m for the year ending 31st January 2026, compared with £8.1m the previous year. Total profit after tax grew to £8.9m (£4.1m previously).
• The Windsor Castle, in Carshalton, has had its function space, The Cottage, transformed following a £50,000 investment by Shepherd Neame. The new-look venue now licensed to host wedding ceremonies. Dating back to 1860, the Windsor Castle has long been a favourite with the local community.
• Heartwood Collection has invested £250,000 in The Boot, in Histon. The refurbishment has included refreshed interiors, updated signage, new soft furnishings, and enhanced outdoor spaces, with new furniture, enhanced landscaping, and thoughtful planting schemes.
• Hall & Woodhouse has opened The Dockside, a riverside bar and café at The Brentford Project, in West London.
• Trust Inns has acquired community pub The New Anglers in Handsworth, Sheffield.
• Irish pub operator Malones has taken on the former BrewDog premises in Dundee. It becomes the company’s fourth site in Scotland.
• Morgan Pub Collective has acquired The Canbury Arms pub, in Kingston, established in 1891, from Young’s. Morgan now has some 25 sites in the South East.
