Brewery eyes growth after owners sell up

The founders of Harrogate Brewing Company will be bidding farewell to the business they created five years ago, when they open their tap bar for the last time on Saturday (December 7).
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Dec 2019, 14:30 BST
Updated 3rd Dec 2019, 14:33 BST
Joe Joyce (left) has bought Harrogate Brewing Company from Anton Stark (right) and intends to expand the business.Joe Joyce (left) has bought Harrogate Brewing Company from Anton Stark (right) and intends to expand the business.
Joe Joyce (left) has bought Harrogate Brewing Company from Anton Stark (right) and intends to expand the business.

Anton and Sarah Stark have sold the company for an undisclosed sum and are considering new projects.

The small-batch microbrewery, which produces local beers including Pinewoods Pale Ale and Cold Bath Gold, has been bought by businessman and brewing enthusiast Joe Joyce, who will take over in January.

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Mr Stark started brewing in 2013 and his first commercial beer, Tewit Well Ale, was served at The Old Bell Tavern the same year. After brewing at Claro Road for a few years he moved to the current site at Hookstone Chase in 2017.

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Mr Stark said: “Many thanks to everyone who have sampled our beers and the fabulous local pubs and bars who have supported us over the last five years.

“Harrogate Brewing Company will continue to produce a mix of traditional and modern hop forward beers made with passion, and I can’t wait to see how Joe and his team move forward with this great local business”.

Mr Joyce, a chartered accountant and former chief executive of major metal distributor, plans to expand the business and run it as a family venture.

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He said: “I’m delighted that Anton and Sarah have entrusted us to make Harrogate Brewing Company a lasting local brand.

“Julie and I want to make this is a family concern, but as enthusiastic home-brewers we have a steep learning curve. Thankfully, I know Anton will always take a phone call and we will be working with a number of very experienced local brewers to grow their legacy.”

The brewery tap bar at Unit 7 Hookstone Centre will open for the last time with the Starks in charge on Saturday, December 7 with live electronica music from Horse Head Stetson, food from The Trifk’s (with profits going to Macmillan Cancer Support) and a selection of beers brewed on site.