Keystone, which rebranded from its former moniker of Breal Group almost a year ago, has taken ownership of the Leeds-based brands from Vertical Drinks and has retained its leader Steve Holt in the role of ‘special adviser’.
The business recently acquired the craft beer brands of Magic Rock and Fourpure, which were both based at the Magic Rock site in Huddersfield, and said it plans to grow distribution of North Brewing Co’s beers nationally and internationally.
It added it would do by “utilising its truly national sales force and its robust distribution network to drive national and international trade”.
On the recent acquisition of the craft brands of North Brewing Co, Magic Rock and Fourpure, three Keystone told The Morning Advertiser: “We believe in this sector and the brands we’re championing.
“It’s ‘hard yards’ in the hospitality sector right now, increasing costs and duty, not helping small brewers, and hospitality venues alike. That said, we (Keystone) believe real quality brands have a life beyond the existing doldrums, as such we’re continuing to invest selectively in brands that have real substance and longevity.”
Kirkstall retains brewing operation
North Brewing Co was formed by John Gyngell and Christian Townsley when they opened North Bar pub in 1997 and subsequently opened nine sites in northern areas including Leeds and Manchester.
They began brewing in 2015 and went on to win Best Brewing Company at the Publican Awards in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The duo filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators in January last year for their brewing business and Kirkstall Brewery stepped in to rescue the business and began running it under the name of Vertical Drinks.
Keystone said the Springwell brewery in Leeds would remain under the stewardship of Kirkstall and will continue with brewing and packaging with no job losses set to occur.
It added North Brewing Co has built a reputation for its innovative hop-forward beers, hazy IPAs, and its TFGs (triple-fruited goses) and that the brand has “become a key player on the UK’s craft brewing scene, combining northern roots with award-winning, eclectic flavours”.
Keystone Brewing Group’s Mark Williams said: “We are delighted the North Brewing brand and beers will join the Keystone family.
“It is a true icon with a compelling reputation for innovation and high-quality beers and we see enormous potential to build on its success to date, growing it nationally while preserving its original Yorkshire identity.
Exciting times
“We are also delighted to announce that Steve Holt will be working with us, as a special adviser to our group in future. These are exciting times for Keystone, and we’re not finished yet.”
Steve Holt, representing Vertical Drinks, said he was pleased to pass on ownership of the North Brewing Co brands to Keystone: “They have the sales and marketing resources to expand distribution and accelerate the brand’s growth. I am also delighted Springwell will continue to brew and package the North beers.”
Vertical Drinks has said it will invest in the Springwell brewery site to become a state-of-the-art contract brewing and packaging facility. It will continue to brew and package North beers alongside other growing, premium brands.
The acquisition marks another milestone in Keystone’s growth plans to develop a £100m portfolio of brands. North Brewing Co joins the Keystone family of beer and cider brands, which include Black Sheep, Purity, Brick, Brew by Numbers, Big Drop, Wolf Pack, Maison Sassy Cider and, most recently, the Magic Rock and Fourpure brands.