In 2008, a pair of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed brewers entered the Dragons’ Den with an idea.
They had a refreshing brand that rebelled against the corporate approach of most breweries – and a product packed with flavour to match.
But what they didn’t have was funding.
James Watt and Martin Dickie applied to the BBC show and “pitched their hearts out” in an attempt to earn financial backing from some of the best-known businesspeople in Britain.
But it wasn’t to be. BrewDog’s owners didn’t make it past the screen test, and were “totally crushed” by the rejection.
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Fast-forward 12 years: BrewDog is worth more than £1bn.
According to Watt, the offer BrewDog planned to put on the Dragons table – 20% for £100,000 – would have pocketed the bidder a cool £360m today.
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But whilst the rebuff was a big blow at the time, it actually proved to be a blessing in disguise.
The producers’ snub forced BrewDog to build an entirely different funding community-style model – one that offered equity in exchange for investment.
Their most recent campaign saw 47,000 people pump more than £8.7m into the company.
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“Loads of you asked what happened after Dragon’s Den turned us down in ’08,” Watts wrote on Twitter.
“We went back to the drawing board & came up with a radically new business model based on community ownership.
“Instead of 1 Dragon, we got 130,000 Equity Punks [and] BrewDog is much better because of that.”
During a dizzying decade, BrewDog has branched out from brewing to build restaurants and bars across the world – with premises in the USA, Spain, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, Belgium and France.
They’ve accrued a reputation for doing things differently, and even in the COVID climate – which according to Watts has been “incredibly tough” – BrewDog is still pushing boundaries.
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They were among the first to announce they’d be pouring their first pint at the stroke of 12.01 on 4 July to mark the historic reopening of English pubs after lockdown (tickets for the celebration in Manchester sold out in minutes).
But elsewhere, the brand is working with zero-emissions company Arrival to create a network of delivery trucks and become the “most sustainable brewery in the world.”
The BrewDog community – which might not have ever materialised if the brewers had met the Dragons – has also played a pivotal role in the Scottish brewery surviving the pandemic.
In an open letter on LinkedIn, Watt thanked his “brilliant teams” for delivering a “miracle against all odds.”
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He wrote: “We owe each other, and especially those leaving, a debt of gratitude.
“Their selfless act has allowed us to better safeguard the livelihoods of over 1,800 team members. Furthermore they all played a pivotal role in the development of a business that we, and millions of people all over the planet, know and love.
“Your contributions made a huge difference and you will forever be part of our story.”
Feature
One of the biggest and best new beer gardens in Manchester drops just in time for the World Cup
Danny Jones
You heard us right: what could very well be Manchester’s favourite new beer garden has just landed over in St John’s, and all can envision is non-stop sun, suds and sporting action all summer long.
This, my friends, is ‘The Green’.
Capturing a kind of mix between the simple combo of wide open space, booze and hopefully sun on the Stevenson Square we all know and love, with a bit of the Boxpark fanfare that will make it perfect come World Cup, we’re big fans of what they’ve put together here.
It’s also worth noting that this place is significantly bigger than you’ll find in most corners of central Manchester, complete with plenty of room to perch, from the rows of deckchairs to even tiered step seating that runs along the edge.
There’s new artificial turf laid down, complete with fresh wooden borders, lamp lighting, big benches perfect for squeezing plenty of mates on each side, as well as a decent number of small parasols. There are even QR codes to save time ordering at the bar.
Speaking of, the bar is already full up and running with a very solid lineup of summery drinks, for beers and fruity ciders to Aperol and plenty more. You are paying the expected St John’s prices, but when the rays hit just right, the footy’s on and you’re with your mates, you won’t hear us complaining.
Not just batch stuff being proud from the tap either – they’ve got cocktails, creative twists on frozen margs and lots of other stuff still in the pipeline.
But understandably, the instant start of the show is that large screen, which has already got us dreaming of the World Cup and tournament season year in year out, for that matter. And when we say large, we really mean it…
Just picture the scenes…
The lawn itself is plenty long, and the massive monitor is high up enough on the old studio wall that not a single soul will be missing a second of that action.
Be it the footy, Wimbledon, F1, rugby – whatever the discipline happens to be, we can’t wait to find any excuse to watch it all here (weather permitting). Only a short distance from Deansgate, Spinningfields, Castlefield and more, we feel like this spot is about to blow up.
You’ll also be glad to know that while you can’t take food and drink from other venues around the beer garden itself, they’ve got a food lineup all of their own coming very soon, centring around Manchester locals and regional indies. That’s what we like to hear.
It’s just what that Grape Street area needed, and regardless of whatever potential seasonal shifts it might need to make, we hope it stays here for a very long time. Good vibes all-round.
Inside the lavish Grade II-listed Cheshire mansion on the market for an eye-watering £7.5m
Emily Sergeant
A lavish Grade II-listed Georgian mansion surrounded by Cheshire countryside views is currently on the market for an eye-watering £7.5 million.
Again, we know this one is a little off patch for us – but it’s such a grand property, we couldn’t not share it with you all.
Before we get carried away though, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have the money to buy this house just sitting in our bank accounts, but if like us, you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Stretton Hall, and it’s described by estate agents as being ‘genuinely is one of the great representations of Cheshire‘s heritage’.
This is Stretton Hall / Credit: Dee Distinct Estate Agents
Found in the picturesque village of Stretton – which benefits from being close to both the amenities on offer in the neighbouring towns and cities of Malpas, Chester and even Wrexham, and stunning surrounding countryside, as well as good local schools and easy-access to motorway links across the North West and beyond – Stretton Hall is one of those properties truly deserving of its Grade II-listed recognition.
“Take just two steps through the front door and you can’t help but be impressed by the fact this is one of the warmest and most welcoming homes on the market right now,” estate agents declared.
Approached via a sweeping driveway and surrounded by mature grounds, this ‘distinguished’ eight-bedroom home is an exceptional country residence that combines historic character with refined modern living.
It’s a lavish Grade II-listed Cheshire mansion on the market for an eye-watering £7.5m / Credit: Dee Distinct Estate Agents
The property is packed with elegant period architecture around every corner.
Think beautifully proportioned rooms, high ceilings, exposed beams, original fireplaces, detailed joinery, and an abundance of natural light throughout, all to create a home that’s described as being both ‘timeless’ and ‘comfortable’.
At the heart of the house lies a generous kitchen and family space, as well as several reception rooms that are ideal for entertaining, while upstairs you’ll find multiple bedrooms and bathrooms arranged to suit both family living and guest hosting.
It’s set amongst regal grounds and surrounded by countryside views / Credit: Dee Distinct Estate Agents
The property is just as impressive – arguably even more so – once you step outside, as it is on the inside.
Externally, the property boasts well-maintained gardens, lawns, and outdoor entertaining areas, all enjoying far-reaching rural views towards the Welsh Hills, as well as there being established equestrian facilities on site too.
There are also a number of additional outbuildings on the land, which provide excellent potential for future refurbishment.
Stretton Hall is currently on the market for £7.5 million with West Kirkby-based estate agents, Dee Distinct, and if you’re keen to take a look around for yourself, then get in touch. Otherwise, you can just have a look around on Rightmove instead here.
The Manc -
30th June 2020 
