Brewery calls time on business due to Covid pressures

A Herefordshire brewery is to close due to the economic impact of Covid and its effect on consumer confidence.

Swan Brewery in Leominster has been brewing ales for pubs, clubs, festivals and retailers for six years.

It says there was a recovery last year with people on staycations and in pubs, but Omicron’s impact started a decline.

The husband-and-wife team of Jimmy Swan and Gill Bullock will be closing the business in spring.

In a statement, the brewery said: “It has been a tough decision to make and something that we have deliberated and discussed long and hard over recent weeks.

“COVID-19 has had a big impact on our business. In the first 12 months of the pandemic our brewing volumes were down by around a half. We recovered to a point in 2021 but then Omicron hit and, once again, adversely affected the pub trade at what should be one of their busiest times.

“We have also seen really significant increases in the cost of raw materials, fuel, rent, energy and transport. Whilst we have somehow managed to keep in the black, we foresee it is unsustainable for us to carry on trading in such uncertain times.”

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