Australia: Lion confirms closure of Stone & Wood Brisbane brewpub

Australia’s number one liquor supplier for 2025 has confirmed it will be closing the Brisbane outpost of its flagship craft beer brand on 21 November.

In a statement emailed to Drinks Trade, Stone & Wood's owner Lion attributes the decision to “rising operational costs and the broader challenges currently facing the hospitality industry” and says it “does not reflect the strength of Stone & Wood, which continues to be one of our most recognised and valued brands.”

So far this year, Lion has invested heavily in the Stone & Wood brand, opening its first-ever branded beer bar at Sydney Airport and kickstarting a multi-year partnership with the World Surf League. It has also announced several new product innovations including Citrus Radler.

A $30 million upgrade to the Stone & Wood Murwillumbah is also well underway with initial forecasts predicting its completion by Christmas this year.

Lion’s statement continues: “As Lion continues to assess our hospitality portfolios, we remain committed to evaluating non-core venues to ensure our operations align with our strategic vision. Our primary focus is on the home of our brands, ensuring their long-term sustainability and success.”

The news comes at a time of strong momentum for the leading beer business, which since July has been named Supplier of the Year at the Australian Drinks Awards, Large Supplier of the Year at Endeavour's Supplier of the Year Awards, Beer Supplier of the Year at Coles Liquor's Supplier Forum, and Most Improved Supplier at Paramount's Supplier Awards.

It also follows on from a number of similar closures made by Lion over the past few years, including the recent closure of Four Pillars’ only permanent non-Victorian outpost on 19 September.

Meanwhile, Lion has invested heavily in growing the hospitality presence of a number of its other breweries in their home states. This includes the ongoing $10 million expansion at Little Creature’s Fremantle brewery site and the $1.8 million development at Boag’s Brewhouse in Tasmania.

Lion’s statement continues: “We remain committed to investing in the long-term success of the Stone & Wood brand and while we have made the difficult decision to close the microbrewery, our home in Byron Bay remains open and welcomes visitors. This decision does not reflect the strength of Stone & Wood, which continues to be one of our most recognised and valued brands.”

The Brisbane Stone & Wood microbrewery was originally acquired by Lion in 2021 as part of its acquisition of Fermentum Group. The brewery itself was established two years prior in 2019 as Stone & Wood’s first expansion beyond the Northern Rivers region.

Lion has confirmed that Stone & Wood Brewery Brisbane will officially close on 21 November.