And finally… No last orders for Black Sheep Brewery

It’s a case of shoring up the foundations rather than knocking the site down, as a rescue deal has secured the future of a group of well-known UK breweries, including £6.5m assigned to Masham’s landmark business.

Stepping in like a reliable main contractor is the newly formed Great British Drinks Company, backed by the entrepreneurs behind Paramount Retail Group, which has taken on the job of rebuilding the business and getting it back on solid ground.

Interestingly, Paramount Retail also owns Saltaire, a rival Yorkshire brewery, which was acquired by the group in 2024.

Back in November 2025, a notice of intention to appoint administrators from FRP Advisory was filed for Keystone Brewing Group Ltd.

The group included Black Sheep, Purity Brewing Co, Brew By Numbers, Brick Brewery, North Brewing Company, Magic Rock Brewing, and Fourpure Brewing Co.

Like many projects caught by rising costs and tough market conditions, the business had come under increasing financial pressure amid challenging trading conditions across the brewing and hospitality sector.

Anthony Collier and Martyn Rickels of FRP Advisory Manchester were appointed joint administrators on 22 January, advised by Shoosmiths, and quickly completed a pre-pack sale of the business and its assets.

The acquisition by Great British Drinks Company secures 145 jobs, along with the breweries and their brands.

Black Sheep Brewery, which has a strong retail footprint supplying most major UK supermarkets as well as pubs and restaurants, is being acquired for around £4.5m.

A future investment plan of more than £2m will also be put in place to restore the business to growth.

With combined sales of £28m, Great British Drinks Company is described as being in a strong financial position and now owns three heritage brewery sites.

Black Sheep Brewery was established in 1992 by Paul Theakston – a name that speaks for itself in the brewing world.