Wild Beer Co, the popular West Country brewery that collapsed into administration in December, has agreed a deal with a Kent-based brewery that will save a handful of jobs. Curious Brewery in Ashworth has bought the beer, brands and intellectual property of Wild Beer Co, which also has a taproom - Wild Beer - at Bristol's Wapping Wharf.
The craft beer company was founded by Andrew Cooper and Brett Ellis in 2012 after the duo met while working at the Bristol Beer Factory. The founders said last month they were "heartbroken" their business had entered administration after facing "adverse trading conditions", including Covid, the loss of export sales, spiralling production costs, soaring inflation, and an increase of interest rates.
Wild Beer's Bristol taproom has continued to trade since last month's announcement, writing on Instagram at the time: "All reservations are still honoured...please come and support us, there is still beer flowing and much alcohol to enjoy!"
Read more: Wapping Wharf restaurant closes after two years
The transaction does not include the taproom, but five people people will transfer across under the agreement. It is not clear yet what will happen to Wild Beer Co's brewery in Somerset.
Curious, which was previously part of wine business Chapel Down before it was sold in 2021, said the deal for Wild Beer would double the size of its operation. The Kent brewery said it intends to honour the subscriptions and regular discounts available to current members of Wild Beer Co’s Secret Cellar Club and previous shareholders.
Curious Brewery chair Mark Crowther said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with some of the original team from Wild Beer Co to maintain the original innovative and creative spirit of that business. Adding their delicious craft beers to our stable of award-winning premium brands, Wild Beer Co’s range fits perfectly alongside our existing portfolio, delivering a range of interesting and differentiated beers. “
Curious beers are brewed in Kent, where the business currently has a production capacity of five million pints per year. Its site in the county also includes a visitor centre, taproom and a 120-cover bar-restaurant.
“The Wild Beer Co acquisition brings a lot of positives including high-quality beers and distinctive brands, impressive distribution in both the on and off-trade, as well as a significant direct-to-consumer e-commerce operation. This new chapter for Wild Beer Co will bring some stability, placing the business on a sure footing. For Curious, this is an important step in our journey to become one of the UK’s leading brewers of specialist, premium beer and ciders," added Mr Crowther.
Following the transaction, Wild Beer Co’s portfolio, led by flagship brew Wild IPA, will sit alongside Curious’ premium English lager - Curious Brew which is brewed with Champagne yeast - and its award-winning Curious Session IPA and Curious Apple cider.
Read next:
Klosterhaus closure: Staff at Bristol restaurant lose jobs 'with no notice'
The Clifton pub with the oldest pub theatre outside of London
South Bristol pub speaks out on quiet Christmas before outdoor seating cull
Veganuary 2023: The Bristol pizza places with delicious vegan options
Beautiful vintage cafe with six-month waiting list expands to new site
