Beatnikz Republic, one of Manchester’s most popular independent breweries, has announced it has made the ‘painful decision’ to cease trading.
The craft brewery is based in one of the railway arches in the Green Quarter, and over the years has gone on to open its own taproom and a bar in the Northern Quarter.
But the brewery’s founder Paul Greetham has now announced that the impact of Covid-19, combined with the rising cost of living, has ‘proven too much’ for the business.
He said in a statement that the ‘financial implications have been disastrous’ and that Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co. has ceased trading.
The Beatnikz Republic bar in the Northern Quarter. Credit: Beatnikz NQ
The bar on Dale Street will continue to trade as normal, and while Paul has resigned as director, he said: “I encourage everyone to visit as often as possible as the beers are great and the staff are incredibly skilled and welcoming.”
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Paul’s statement said: “It’s with great sadness that we announce that Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co. has ceased trading.
“It has been a painful decision, but the right one. It’s an incredibly sad time and closing is something we never wished we had to do.
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“There are a number of reasons why we’ve had to make this difficult decision.
Beatnikz Republic – which ran this taproom in the Green Quarter – has ceased trading. Credit: Facebook, Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co.
“We tried our best to make it through COVID, but the negative impact over the last two years has proven too much.
“From the initial shock, to constantly starting/stopping production due to the various lockdowns, to lower sales this year, the financial implications have been disastrous.
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“Our ability to export in volume had also reduced due to increased transport costs; and now with increased utility, ingredient and packaging costs, it’s simply not possible to continue.”
The statement continued: “From the start, Beatnikz Republic has been a project of passion and one that I have worked on for 10 years; from home brewing, to a side hustle alongside the day job, to a nationally/internationally recognised brewery.
“I’m proud of the beers we’ve produced and the growth we’ve experienced over the years. We can only attribute these excellent beers and growth to our amazing team members; this has been made possible due to their tireless dedication, effort and craftsmanship – so a very big THANK YOU to them all.
“We also need to thank our suppliers, many of whom have been exceptional in their responses to the impact during COVID. The craft beer industry is very unique and one I’ll be sad to be leaving.”
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He concluded: “And lastly, I need to thank two more groups of people. Firstly, my family for putting up with me being way too stressed for too long; their support has been instrumental. And finally: YOU! It’s only because of your support that the brewery has been able to become what it has – so THANK YOU!!!”
Featured image: Facebook, Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co.
News
Gary Lineker set to leave BBC this week following more controversy
Danny Jones
Former footballer and veteran presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC earlier than expected following further political controversies and social media backlash.
Lineker has been butting heads with the presenter for a couple of years now, being suspended by the national corporation back in March 2023 for his comments about language used by the Conservative government, and has continued to take issue with certain aspects of their news coverage.
He has since gone on to share a further video expressing his regret over what he called an “honest mistake”, as well as confirming that he will be making a premature exit from the BBC.
As you can see in the clip above, he says: “I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused,” insisting that he didn’t see the emoji in question
Lineker is now expected to leave following his final Match of the Day programme this weekend after having already confirmed he would be leaving the role after 26 years at the end of the season.
The ex-English footballer was set to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, but given the latest furore, he will be stepping away ahead of schedule.
Having gradually wound down his work with networks like TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and the BBC in recent years, he has been slowly shifting his focus to his own Goalhanger Podcasts company, which includes several popular audio formats under The Rest Is… brand, including his own flagship The Rest Is Football show.
He goes on to add that he’s “stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all my life.” Since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflicts began, he’s been particularly outspoken on the events. One recent interview with the BBC itself sparked plenty of discussion online.
Gary Lineker, "What's going on there (Gaza), the mass murder of thousands of children is something we should have an opinion on"
Amol Rajan, "The BBC needs to be impartial about it"
Lineker reiterated that he would never “knowingly share anything antisemitic” and removed the problematic post as soon as he was made aware.
Nevertheless, the BBC and director general Tim Davie have been facing pressure to address the situation ever since it happened, with many calling for the household name to be sacked.
It seems the ex-Everton, Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona player has made the decision for them.
As he goes on to conclude, despite expressing gratitude regarding his relationship with the BBC, he feels the “time is right […’ to go our separate ways.”
“Wildfires can spread quickly and cause devastation to the land and wildlife on it,” explained GMFRS’s wildfire lead and national tactical adviser for wildfires, Ady Taylor, “so it’s vitally important that people call 999 as soon as they think they see a fire.”
He continued: “We want people to enjoy the countryside and moorland we have in Greater Manchester, but… [we] remind people to always act responsibly while out enjoying these environments.
“This means no BBQs, fires or fireworks – as they can easily result in wildfires.”
On Wednesday 14 May 2025, a teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and interviewed by police in relation to the incident, and then the following day on Thursday 15 May 2025, another two boys were also arrested – with each of the three having now been released on bail pending further enquiries while investigations are ongoing.
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a large moorland fire in Bury / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Detective Inspector Andy Wright, from GMP’s Bury district, added: “The moorland fire is being investigated as arson following information from a witness and enquiries we have made.
“We have managed to apprehend three teenagers in relation to this incident, all of them have been bailed following interviews with our officers.”
GMP and GMFRS is reminding Greater Manchester residents that if they see a fire in the countryside, they need to report it immediately, leave the area as soon as possible, and dial 999, and if you witness illegal activity in relation to the fire, then you can report it to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
“Fires can have such a devastating effect, and we are lucky that this has not caused a significant amount of damage, or cost lives,” Detective Inspector Andy Wright concluded.
Daisy Jackson -
2nd May 2022 
