The independent brewery and hospitality operator has sold The British Oak in Mosborough and The Old Grindstone in Crookes, both in Sheffield, alongside The Milton Arms in Elsecar, Barnsley.
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According to the BBC, the sale and transfer is expected to complete within around three months.
Owner Kane Yeardley said: “This has not been an easy decision, but it is a necessary step to secure the long term future of our company.
“We are committed to supporting our teams through this transition and ensuring our remaining venues continue to thrive.”
Protecting estate
The business said the three pubs had been an important part of its estate, but added the decision followed a “challenging period” for the industry.
True North said it had taken a “considered and proactive approach” to protect the long term health of its wider estate, with nine remaining sites, and preserve the strength of its core business.
The company said all affected team members would have the opportunity to transfer to the new owners, while efforts would be made to find alternative opportunities within True North for those who wanted to stay with the business.
The operator added it had relinquished the pubs to secure new ownership that would continue to run them as pubs, preserving their character and role within local communities.
Industry pressure
True North Brew Co went into administration in 2023 before its assets were sold to Cocktails and Craft Beers Ltd, with all jobs saved. The new owners later changed the company name back to True North Brew Co.
The business acquired the Abbeydale Picture House in Sheffield last year, with plans to turn the site into an entertainment venue.
The move comes amid wider pressure on pub operators, with estate reviews, disposals and closures continuing across the sector.
The Morning Advertiser (MA) recently reported that UK pub and bar outlet numbers are forecast to fall 0.9% to 41,171 in 2026, equivalent to around seven net closures a week, despite the market being expected to grow 2% in value to £24.7bn.
Operators have continued to review estates in response to cost pressures and changing trading patterns, with Greene King identifying around 300 managed pubs for conversion or potential sale and Whitbread moving to exit its remaining branded restaurant estate.
