Knutsford Tatton Brewery closes 'with heavy heart' due to rising costs

Tatton Brewery says it has been forced to shut due to ‘unprecedented increases’ in the cost of living, fuel prices and raw materials.

Customers say they feel ‘shocked and saddened’ by today’s announcement.

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The company on Longridge Trading Estate will cease trading next week.

Tatton Brewery's craft beer (Image: Supplied)

In a statement on social media, Tatton Brewery said: ”After 14 years of brewing, we've come to the end of the road.

“With unprecedented increases in the cost of living, fuel prices, raw materials, and many other factors, coupled with Gregg wishing to take a step back from the business due to family responsibilities, it is no longer viable for us to carry on.

Owner Gregg Sawyer inside the brewery (Image: Supplied)

“With a heavy heart we're sad to announce that Tatton Brewery will cease trading on Thursday, February 29.

“Our last deliveries will go out 26th- 29th February as usual, and trade customers can place their orders via our sales@tattonbrewery.co.uk – we've got stock in the cold room that we'd love to send out!

The brewery was based on Longridge Industrial Estate (Image: Supplied)

“For retail customers, there is some stock on the webshop, that can be collected directly from the brewery until we close.

“We've had a good run, with great times, great staff, great customers - and of course great beer.

“We're truly saddened to be sending out this statement, making us part of the current decline in the industry – but we've got to call it a day.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported us on our journey; we hope you've had some good times doing so.

“Get out there and get your last pints of Tatton Beer, raise a glass, and remember us fondly. Cheers 🍻 Gregg Sawyer & Team Tatton.”

Owner Gregg Sawyer and head brewer Lee Gannon celebrated 10 years of brewing and their 1,000th brew in 2020 with the launch of Tatton Ten, a tropical pale ale brewed to a unique recipe.

Gregg cut his teeth in the brewing world when he began an internship at Harpoon Brewery in Boston, shortly after he'd gained his craft  beer diploma in Vermont.

On returning to England in 2005, Gregg took a position at Westerham Brewery before realising his dream of opening his own brewhouse.

Speaking 10 years ago, Gregg said: "For many years, it was my dream to set up my own brewery but a catalogue of challenges, including the credit crunch in 2008, got in the way.

"In 2009, it finally all came together and I secured the lease to our site.

"I still remember the phone call from my surveyor. He said: 'Congratulations, Gregg, you have a warehouse full of debris'.

"He wasn't wrong, it was a completely empty shell.

"I spent that first Christmas Eve grinding down the floors ready to start putting the brew kit in."

The inaugural brew was Tatton Best, a classic amber best bitter which was first poured at the Church Inn in Mobberley in February 2010.

Over the years, the company became renowned for cask beers brewed using a yeast last used by a Chesters Brewery more than 50 years ago.