Sadness at brewery closure amid costs

CLOSURE BLAMED ON SQUEEZED MARGINS AND PRICE RISES

- By COREENA FORD

A popular Newcastle brewery has ceased trading after rocketing costs led it to call in liquidators.

Northern Alchemy began life in a converted shipping container 11 years ago, and soon became known for its pale ales, lagers and beers which were sold in the neighbouring Cumberland Arms, as well as its own weekend open tap nights.

Demand for its drinks triggered expansion into the former Ouseburn coal depot - The Old Coal Yard - in 2017.

Northern Alchemy was one of 16 breweries which came together to support each other through Covid by creating The Northern Stronghold collective, collaborating on a beer delivery service for customers in moves to keep trading during lockdown and ultimately make it through the pandemic.