Independent UK brewery Farr Brew has entered liquidation and ceased trading after 12 years, following a winding-up order issued by the courts amid tough trading conditions
An acclaimed independent brewery has gone into liquidation after 12 years of trading. Farr Brew, renowned for its real ales including IPAs, porters and bitters, was established by friends Nick Farr and Matt Elvidge in 2014.
Despite an announcement on the brewery’s website indicating the tap room would reopen spring, it’s been confirmed that the firm has folded.
As per The Gazette, the UK’s official public record for company insolvencies, a winding-up order was issued on Wednesday, April 15.
This development follows the closure of Farr Brew’s Elephant and Castle pub in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, earlier this year.
The brewery declared the closure due to financial difficulties and unsuccessful negotiations with the building’s owner, Greene King. Farr Brew attributed challenging trading conditions, including increased rent and electricity costs, as the reasons behind the closure, reports the Express.
In a post on Facebook in January, the Elephant and Castle pub announced: “So – with sadness we must let you know that we will be leaving the Elephant & Castle. This may come as a surprise to many – most come in the summer and see how vibrant the place is. But Autumn, Winter and Spring we lose money – and quite a lot. We simply can’t field the losses any further.”
They continued: “We have loved our time here but trading conditions just aren’t how they were when we agreed on the rent (rent, electric and rates alone are north of £130K per year). So that’s £2500 to come from margin per week – just vastly beyond what we can achieve in this pub in the colder months.
“And that’s before we pay staff, ingredients, insurances etc etc etc. We tried to negotiate with the freeholder – Greene King but had no success. We argued that trading conditions have changed. But no movement from them.”
The post went on: “There are rumours about the parent company – Farr Brew. And yes, things are difficult – its hospitality in 2026. We only need to look at Oakman, Brewdog, Stonegate etc etc to see the way things are at present. We are looking at finance options to support the parent company.”
Meanwhile, a statement on Farr Brew’s website earlier this year declared: “We have decided to keep the tap room closed until the Spring as its frankly impossible to heat and keep warm. So we look forward to seeing you again in March / April when the farm starts looking slightly less muddy!
“We also must announce that we have decided to close the Elephant and Castle pub – the numbers just didn’t stack up and we had to make a tough decision. We thank you all for your custom there.”
It has now been confirmed that Farr Brew has entered liquidation. The firm ran a 10-barrel brewery and taproom in Hertfordshire, providing high-quality and traditional real ales.
Not only were they finalists in the Hertfordshire Beer of the Year competition, but their porter also received a nod from beer writer Roger Protz.
Farr Brew, known for its sustainable brewing methods and use of local ingredients, made appearances at local events like the St Albans Beer Festival and collaborated with local groups such as the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
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