Vocation Brewery closes two bars to fund expansion plans
Vocation Brewery confirmed its Halifax and Sheffield venues closed last Friday, 6 November, while its Hebden Bridge bar remains open. The closures come despite double-digit growth in on-trade sales volumes over the past year, and the brewery’s off-trade market share has risen from about 3.8% to 4.3%. The move comes amid sector pressures; the British Beer & Pub Association warned that 360 pubs could close across the UK by the end of 2026, with 295 already closed by September and 5,000 jobs at risk. A Vocation spokesperson said the decision was difficult and carefully considered, and will enable the firm to concentrate resources and investment on building on its momentum. The brewery said it is working closely with employees affected by the closures and providing support during transition. Vocation plans to prioritise expansion of its core beer range, led by Life & Death IPA, with the business investing in its largest brand project to date. Production capacity will be increased through additional brewing tanks and a new pilot brewery to speed up product development. The moves follow the launch earlier this year of a new seasonal beer range aimed at helping pub operators diversify its drinks offer. The spokesperson added that plans include expanding the core range of premium beers and making them available through more venues across the UK. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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