One of Manchester’s best-loved breweries announces ‘incredibly sad’ closure

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 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.”

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.

“There are a number of reasons why we’ve had to make this difficult decision.

“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.

“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.

Read more: The Manchester taprooms serving up the freshest pints in the city

“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.”

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.