Major UK brewery of Britain's best-selling ale set to shut with 50 jobs at risk

One of Britain’s best-known cask ale producers is set to close before the end of the year after its American parent company deemed the site no longer viable.

Sharp's Brewery, based in Rock near Wadebridge in Cornwall, will be shuttered under plans announced by Chicago-based Molson Coors.

The 30-year-old brewery produces Doom Bar, Britain’s most popular cask ale, named after the sandbank at the entrance to Cornwall’s Camel Estuary.

Molson Coors, which acquired Sharp’s in 2011, said the Rock site could no longer operate as a viable part of its UK production network.

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The company said it is exploring alternative arrangements to continue brewing the Sharp’s portfolio, potentially through partnerships with other producers.

Molson Coors, which also brews Coors Light, said it remains committed to the Sharp’s brands despite the proposed closure.

Around 50 roles at the Rock facility are at risk, while a broader restructuring of the company’s UK and Ireland operations could affect approximately 200 positions in total.

A call centre in Cardiff is also set to close as part of efforts to streamline the British business.

Simon Kerry, managing director for the UK and Ireland, said the decision had not been taken lightly.

He said: "It has been a significant part of our UK business for 15 years, with an exceptional and committed team who take such huge pride in their craft."

Mr Kerry said the company had invested substantially in both the site and the Sharp’s brands while exhausting all possible alternatives.

Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, criticised the move.

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He said: "Trying to produce iconic Cornish beers outside of the Duchy would be a disgrace."

Mr Stainer described the closure as "just another example of a global brewing giant destroying the nation's cask brewing heritage".

He warned the loss of cask brands and their breweries to multinational corporations focused on profit was damaging local pubs, consumer choice, brewing culture and employment.

Mr Stainer called on Government ministers to intervene to support independent brewers and cider makers in securing bar space in pubs, arguing that such action would help protect the range of beer styles associated with British pub culture.

The announcement comes amid wider pressures facing the UK brewing industry.

Figures from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates show three breweries closed permanently each week last year, marking the fastest rate of decline in 50 years.

The trade body attributed the closures to rising costs and policy pressures, including higher business rates and increases in beer duty.

Since acquiring Sharp’s in 2011, Molson Coors has invested more than £20million in the Rock facility to expand brewing capacity, modernise equipment and develop new products.

The brewery was founded in 1994 by Bill Sharp, originally operating from a converted speedboat store in Rock before growing into one of the country’s best-known cask ale producers.

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