CEO James Taylor informed staff in a note earlier this week, citing the “extremely difficult” market conditions.
Taylor added that BrewDog expects to “redeploy many affected team members” across its network of pubs and is working hard to “minimise the impact on our people”.
BrewDog will conduct a consultation process lasting 14 days with all affected staff.
The impacted locations include the first BrewDog pub to open in Aberdeen, as well as bars in Brighton, Camden, Dundee, Leeds North Street, Oxford, Sheffield, Shepherds Bush, Shoreditch and York.
“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly,” Taylor wrote.
“But as we evolve BrewDog into a more focused and sustainable business, we’ve had to be honest about where we are – and where we’re heading. Despite these changes, we remain firmly committed to our bars.”
Taylor became BrewDog CEO in March of this year after James Arrow stepped down with immediate effect.
In addition to Taylor’s letter, a spokesperson for BrewDog issued the following statement: “We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint.
“Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable. This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division’s focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures.
“We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. For those leaving the business, we’re providing as much support as possible during this transition. We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity.”
