Indie breweries under pressure while two more Oxford pubs re-open
SIBA Independent Beer Report
The hard times facing breweries are outlined in the SIBA Independent Beer Report 2025, showing that around 100 independent breweries closed last year.
The figures must be seen in the context of huge growth in brewery numbers over the last decade, so maybe it reached a level not sustainable. Our local brewers have reflected that trend with the closure of Wychwood by Carlsberg Marston’s in 2023, and the demise of White Horse and Wriggly Monkey. But a new brewery, Twisted Tree, has sprung up – and is getting its cask ale into a few local pubs.
The SIBA report found that average production climbed 10% last year but remains below pre-Covid levels. But 46% of independent brewers say their main priority is survival and 29% expect turnover to fall. The increasing popularity of porters, stouts, craft lagers and “no and low” alcohol beers helped drive growth.
“Time and time again, the research shows that there is high demand for the innovative, interesting and tasty beers that indie brewers are best at making,” commented Andy Slee, SIBA CEO. “However, the current global trade anxiety and tax changes in the UK are making it a challenging market.
“Indie brewers can’t get their foot in the door to get their beers to the customer. Our members currently have around 6% of the market and where they are allowed to compete against global breweries, they could have 30% market share.”
YouGov polling, commissioned by SIBA, shows that less than half (47%) of all consumers ever drink beer and only 28% of the 18-24 age group. More are choosing not to drink alcohol at all – 21% of all consumers, increasing to 36% for 18-24-year-olds.
More than three quarters (77%) say it is important for pubs to offer a range of beers from local breweries, but independent brewers report being unable to sell to, on average, 60% of the pubs local to their brewery.
The big brewers and pub companies still control most of the market, making genuine free houses all the more important.
Pub News
Over 700 people had signed an online petition by late May calling for reopening of the Cock Inn at Combe, near Charlbury. It describes the pub as “abandoned” and “increasingly derelict” and calls on its private owner to take action. https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cock-inn-action
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The Anchor in North Oxford has re-opened after refurbishment and continues to serve two Wadworth real ales, including 6X and Swordfish. It is now being run by the same operator as the Oxford Retreat, Lighthouse and Cowley Retreat, with a full menu of mainly English classics being introduced from mid-June.
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Former Greene King pub the Six Bells in Headington Quarry has re-opened as an independent concern offering one or two real ales, Marston’s Wainwright looking set to be a regular. It is open from 1-11pm daily with food until 9pm.
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Hopes are rising that the Old Anchor Inn in Abingdon will re-open, having closed over two years ago. Greene King has given up the lease but in May, scaffolding went up as renovation work began.
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The Bear Inn, Oxford is due to close for much of June for a refurbishment. The Fuller’s pub is Grade II listed and on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.