Moorhouse's set for growth with 'micro-pubs'

One of Lancashire's leading independent brewers, Moorhouse's Brewery, famous for its 'Pendle Witches' brands is set to invest in the new trend of ‘micro-pubs’ as they aim for growth.

But while announcing growth figures of six per cent for the last financial year with a turnover of almost £6m, more than 20 pubs close each week nationally, while micro–brewers grow at a rate of some 12 a month.

Managing director, David Grant, said: “We now have our championship cask beers on the national stage with pubs in the south and prestigious London venues. But, to survive as an emerging regional brewer, our challenge is to sell more beer in line with our new brewery plan when we invested to treble capacity five years ago.

“We are being caught in a perfect storm with a shrinking market. Consequently I am actively looking at shops or small spaces in good strategic locations to open micro-pubs to complement the traditional pub model. These outlets would be in our core northern area – possibly as far afield as York or Chester – and could operate for 48 hours a week. They would sell the very best quality beers – both ours and guest ales – and have a limited but first class wine and food offering.” Moorhouse’s delivers directly to pubs throughout the north of England and nationally through leading wholesalers and pub companies. The brewery is now seeing a sales surge for bottled beers with new business in top UK supermarkets while inroads are also being made in the emerging markets of China, Russia and Australia.