Ainsty Ales, a brewery and bar in Akerster Malbis near York, has raised a six-figure investment from a group of entrepreneurs.
Husband and wife team Stuart Weston and Lindsay Weston will run the business alongside the new owners and will become shareholders.
Investors include local business owners Nick Ibell, John Greenwood, Sean Wilkinson, Ian Walker and Dave Smith.
The consortium aims to grow the Ainsty Ales brand and continue its Friday night taproom events at Acaster Malbis.
The craft beer brand has been brewed in the village for 10 years and this support will enable Ainsty Ales to continue serving craft beers such as Kool Citra, Bantam Best, Northern Lights, Flammoxed Farmer and Ainsty Assassin to beer lovers online, in their taproom, at local events and through their network of pubs.
Brewmaster Stuart Weston said: “My wife Lindsay and I have worked together for many years and are excited about this new opportunity to be part of such a great brand as Ainsty Ales.”
Lindsay Weston, sales and operations director, said: “After 26 years in the pub industry we're really looking forward to getting back to normal living.”
“We've always lived above or next door to pubs and Stuart and I will be using our vast experience in the industry to drive the Ainsty Ales brand and business forward.”
Ainsty Ales was founded in 2014 by Andy Herrington, who decided to leave the business to follow his passion for marketing.
New managing director Mr Greenwood said: “It was important to us to keep this local business and bar alive and ensure its future growth through investment.”
“Locals and tourists alike enjoy the sense of community that is created every Friday night at Acaster Malbis Taproom.”
Mr Aibel said: “We'd like to thank Andy Herrington for all he has done to grow the brand and serve the local community and are delighted that he will be moving on to new areas to apply his marketing talents.”
“I have lived in the village for over 20 years and this is an important local brand that we all want to thrive.
“We have already invested in a fourth brewing vessel to increase our brewing capacity and be able to keep up with the growing demand.”
Wilkinson said: “Personally, I am fulfilling a lifelong dream to be involved in brewing beer. It's incredibly exciting to be taking on this award-winning brand with a growing national presence and as a team I'm fully committed to its future success.”
“Craft beer is a £1.7 billion industry in the UK and we are committed to growing Ainsty Ales to offer even more bold beers to beer lovers around the world.”
Walker added: “The new management team is focused on team, product and delivery, with each of us bringing different skills, knowledge and aspects to the venture.”
Sector
comment