Last orders for Mad Hatter Brewing Company
Owner Sue Starling told the brewery’s social media followers the company had ceased trading.
She said she had fallen out of love with the trade following a site relocation and team changes.
“I made the decision to enter voluntary liquidation before things got out of hand. Honestly, my heart hasn't been in it since the premises move, we expanded to the wrong size, and Gaz's (co-founder Gareth Matthews) creativity has been missed,” she said.
Unique beers
Mad Hatter launched in 2013, after co-founder Gareth Matthews dabbled with brewing in the garage of his parents' house. It became well regarded in the north-west for its unique brews, including its 4.2% Tzatziki Sour and 3.9% Penny Lane Pale IPA.
Starling became the principal operator of the company after Matthews pursued a new venture, Gibberish, a year ago. Matthews remained as a director to Mad Hatter.
The company moved its operations from the Parliament Business Park, Liverpool, to a site adjacent to the city’s docks in 2017.
Moving on
Starling added in a tweet: “@AngusBrews (head brewer) has done a really great job but the madness between Gaz and I wasn't there any more, and that was the motor of Mad Hatter.
“I've also grown a lot as a person and I've been thinking about what I want, and it's not to run a business.”
The owner thanked the brewery’s supporters and said she welcomed offers to buy the business “so it could live on”.
Hundreds of fellow brewers and beer fans shared their sadness at the news on social media.
Several other breweries in the north of England have experienced difficulties in recent months.
