One of Leeds’ most beloved breweries has appointed administrators due to 'cost of living crisis'.
The award-winning North, formerly known as North Brewing Co, is a firm favourite amongst Leeds locals and craft beer enthusiasts across the country.
With an impressive brewery in Meanwood, multiple city centre bars and its multi-million pound Springwell site that opened in 2020, any North venue was a popular place to enjoy a beer or two.
But now, the owners have confirmed that they have officially filed for administration, and North may undergo some changes... although we really hope it doesn't.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
All North venues will remain trading, but investment is being sought for the business.
On Monday 15 January, a London law firm filed a Notice of Intent in relation to North Brewing Ltd, North Brewing Management and the North Brewing Leisure Ltd taprooms.
North Brewing’s founder Christian Townsley confirmed that the filings had been made.
He told The Grocer magazine that the team were working with ‘advisors’ to secure additional investment to bring security for the company. A further update will be issued later this week.
Townsley said that factors for needing more funding include the cost of living crisis, interest rate rises, material cost increases, Brexit and Covid.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
North told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "We’re currently working with advisors and have recently commenced a process to seek additional investment into our business, which will enable us to push forward with our plans for 2024 and beyond.
“Like the rest of the hospitality and brewing world, over the last four years we’ve endured the turbulence of Covid, Brexit, material cost increases, cost of living crisis and interest rate rises.
“As a result, we’ve been looking for investment and will have news to share in the coming days.
“Due to the commercial nature of the discussions, we can't say more but will keep you updated as soon as we can share further details. All 'North Bar' venues are unaffected by the above”.
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Clementine Hall -
19th January 2024 
