North Brewing co-founders Christian Townsley and John Gyngell have stepped down to focus on their North Bar hospitality business.
It comes after North Brewing and its taprooms in Manchester and Leeds were rescued in a pre-pack administration deal in January.
The business was sold to Steve Holt, director of fellow Leeds brewer Kirkstall Brewery, after running into financial difficulty. The sale did not include the North Bar hospitality business.
Townsley and Gyngell had initially said they would continue to run North Brewing following the sale to newco Vertical Drinks Ltd T/A North. However, the duo have now decided to stand down to focus on North Bar.
The venture currently operates nine venues across northern England, including several in Leeds and the surrounding area.
Its namesake, flagship site opened in 1997 and is widely considered to be one of the first specialist beer bars in the UK.
“Establishing the brand and values that brought success to North Brewing alongside working with amazing people is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of,” said Townsley. “We wish the new ownership the very best in the future.”
Explaining the decision to step aside, Townsley continued: “Hospitality and people have always been at the heart of everything we’ve done, we pride ourselves in creating warm, friendly spaces that deliver exceptional service and offer a range of incredible drinks. Watch this space for the next chapter in North Bar.”
North Brewing, founded in 2015, is stocked in retailers including Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.
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