Award-winning Holbeck brewer sets out ambitious expansion plans ahead of crowdfunder
AND you thought the craft beer boom was slowing down? Think again as Northern Monk Brewing Co, among the UK’s finest, announce plans to triple capacity in a major overhaul of their Old Flax Store HQ in Holbeck.
And that’s not all. They aim to install a new packaging line, expand their wild beer and barrel ageing program, and fast track a second tap room – with Manchester or London the preferred location.
This ambitious expansion dream will come true if they can raise more than £500,000 through crowd funding. Their first round of investment, Northern Rising, launches on Monday 26 February.
It’s a huge step for a company that started in a parents’ cellar 2013 with just £5,000. In 2014, they renovated the Grade II listed Old Flax Store, and with just three full time staff members and three brewing vessels, they began making beer in their new home and opening their Refectory tap room there.
Fast forward to 2018 and they have 30 members of staff, have sold their beer to 22 countries (including USA, New Zealand and Japan) and have effectively doubled turnover each year for the past three years. This year they are on track to brew more than three million pints.
Northern Monk have produced at capacity since they launched. With the new investment eight new 10,000 litre fermentation vessels will be purchased, allowing them to capitalise on their global reputation.
MD Russell Bissett said: “In 2013 we set out to make some of the best beer in the world with just £5,000.
In 2014, we launched our own brewery. In the four years since, we've been rated one of the world’s top 100 breweries, we’ve sold beer to 22 countries across the world and we’re hoping to turn over £4 million by the end of this financial year.
It’s been a wild four years. This is your chance to join us for the rest of it.”
