Freedom Brewery's founder is replaced

The boss of Britain's first dedicated lager micobrewer, Freedom Brewing Company, has left the company he founded.

Philip Parker, who set up the business four years ago, has been replaced as managing director by Duncan Watts.

Mr Watts was one of the founder directors of bar chain Pitcher & Piano until three years ago and now runs the Rocket bar and restaurant in Mayfair, London.

Mr Parker led the company through a major increase in production and the launch of two stylish brewpubs in Soho and Covent Garden, London.

In a statement, he said: "I have sold some of my interests to another shareholder but remain a shareholder in the business and continue to be very enthusiastic about the company's prospects and the micro-brewing niche in the beer market."

He said he was now developing plans "to grow some more brands".

Mr Watts said the two bars would be revamped in September and the beers would have a major new marketing push.

The company began brewing in a former dairy in Fulham, West London, but increasing demand led to production being contracted out last year to the Meantime Brewing Company in Greenwich, East London.

The beer wholesaling arm is now to be split from the retail side. The Rocket will be merged with the bar division, with a second site on the cards.