UK: Jersey’s only major brewery to close and relocate production to Somerset

Jersey's only major brewery will close and relocate production to Somerset in a bid to safeguard its future, ITVX reported on October 1.

Liberation Brewing Co has prided itself on making beers locally for nearly 150 years and even continued operations through both World Wars.

However, its UK parent company, the Butcombe Group, says costs have "dramatically risen over the last few years" and it is no longer viable to run the brewery at Tregear House in St Saviour.

Some job losses are expected, although the exact figure is not yet known as a consultation is ongoing.

Butcombe says it is working with its Jersey team "to explore options and provide support through this transitional period".

The existing on-island warehouse, distribution business and offices at Tregear House, as well as the Liberation shop opposite on Longueville Road, will be unaffected.

On concerns over changes in the supply chain, Butcombe explains: "We are putting safeguards in place to avoid this and will be making sure we communicate with all our customers to minimise any impact."

Pat Dean, Head Brewer of Liberation Brewing Co, will move from Jersey to Somerset and continue to oversee the production of Liberation Ales.

The Head Brewer of Butcombe Group, Mike Jordan, says: "I'm really excited about the move to Somerset and the opportunity to help preserve the legacy of Liberation Brewery.

"This move allows us to continue brewing some of the best ales in the world and to further develop our small batch cask programme."

The firm explains that it will continue to brew Liberation beers using the same recipes and ingredients.

While some equipment is being moved over to the UK so it can still be used, Butcombe says it is working with local museums to donate other items that reflect Jersey's brewing history.

The company adds that these changes will not see prices increase and the Liberation brand will continue.

Matt Topman co-founded the smaller Stinky Bay Brewery Co in Jersey in 2017 and says it is a sad day for the industry.

He explains: "I'm pretty gutted actually, I feel for the guys at Liberation.

"It's a real shame, especially when the guys that work there have put so much effort over the years into keeping it going and that local tradition alive."