Brewery’s spirits soar as pre-pack deal secures future

Buxton Brewery’s future has been secured through the sale of its business and assets to Happy Place Investors in a pre-pack deal.

Rick Harrison and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory were appointed as joint administrators to Buxton Brewery Company and Axe Edge Bars on May 20, 2024.

Following the appointment, the administrators sold certain business assets to Happy Place Investors, ensuring the continuity of the brewery, taprooms and bars.

The sale retained the employment of all 50 staff members who have transitioned to the new owner.

Established in 2009 and operating from a custom-built brewhouse in Buxton, Derbyshire, the group produces and sells craft ales, offering over 30 different brews brewed seven times a week at volumes of around 3,500 litres per brew.

Operating under the Buxton Brewery brand, it supplies supermarkets and pub chains nationally, exports overseas, and operates four taprooms and bars in Buxton, along with a pop-up bottle shop and an online store.

Buxton Brewery runs two pubs; the Tap House and Cellar in Buxton and the Treacle Tap in Macclesfield, which closed three weeks ago.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Independent craft brewers have had to navigate a number of headwinds in recent times, not least the long-term impact of the pandemic, as well as the impact of inflation on raw material costs.