Award-winning brewery Fierce Beer has announced the closure of its Manchester branch, citing unsustainable operating costs.
The popular Northern Quarter establishment, which opened in 2020, will shut its doors for the final time on Friday, December 20, 2024.
In a statement, the owners expressed their sadness at the decision: “We are incredibly sad to announce that after four amazing years, we have taken the very tough decision to close @fiercebarmcr.
“We’ve been blown away since day one by the reaction and support we’ve received for Fierce Beer opening in the Northern Quarter back in 2020.”
The closure is attributed to the challenging economic climate affecting businesses nationwide.
“Much like thousands of other businesses across the country, we face continually spiralling costs that unfortunately mean it’s going to be unsustainable to continue operating the venue viably going forward,” the owners explained.
This development marks a setback for the Aberdeen-based brewery, which has garnered multiple accolades, including recognitions at the Scottish Beer Awards.
The Manchester location, known for its diverse beer selection and live events in its basement area, Fierce Vault, had become a favourite among local craft beer enthusiasts.
The closure reflects the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, particularly in competitive urban areas. As one Reddit user noted, “It’s a charming and cozy location, especially for Fierce and Marble before it. However, it’s quite a challenging area due to the stiff competition.”
Despite this setback, Fierce Beer remains optimistic about its future in England. The company stated: “This is not the end for Fierce Beer south of the border though; we’re continuing to keep an eye on the market and aim to get back as soon as we can with a new physical location.”
The brewery’s remaining two Scottish venues in Edinburgh and Aberdeen will continue to operate, suggesting that while the Manchester closure is a significant blow, the company’s core operations remain intact.
The closure serves as a stark reminder of the economic pressures facing independent businesses in the current climate.
