Love Lane Brewery, a prominent name in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, is charting a new course after being acquired by the owner of Home Bargains. Following two separate instances of business administration, the brewery has received a prestigious accolade, signaling a potential turnaround under its new leadership.
The establishment on Bridgewater Street was recently featured in the Good Beer Guide, an annual publication that recognizes top pubs and breweries across the UK. This acknowledgment comes after TJ Morris Brewing, the parent company of the Home Bargains retail chain, acquired the business in early 2024, providing a stable foundation for its future.
Key Takeaways
- Love Lane Brewery has been included in the latest Good Beer Guide, recognizing its quality and community atmosphere.
- The brewery was acquired in early 2024 by TJ Morris Brewing, the owner of the Home Bargains retail empire.
- This new chapter follows two previous business administrations, the first in June 2022 and a second 18 months later.
- The new management team is focused on future growth and leveraging the stability provided by its new owner.
A Challenging History and a New Beginning
Love Lane Brewery's journey has been marked by significant financial hurdles. The company first entered administration in June 2022 with debts reported to be over £1.5 million. It was subsequently saved by an investment from former Iceland executive Nick Canning.
Despite the rescue attempt, the business faced ongoing difficulties attributed to post-pandemic trading conditions. Just 18 months after its first collapse, the brewery entered administration for a second time. At the time, a company spokesperson cited that the challenges had been "too great" to overcome.
However, the acquisition by TJ Morris Brewing in early 2024 has injected new life and optimism into the business. The new management team is now looking forward, aiming to rebuild the brand's reputation and financial health.
Timeline of Love Lane Brewery's Recent History
- June 2022: Enters administration for the first time, owing more than £1.5m.
- Late 2022: Rescued by a £300,000 investment from former Iceland boss Nick Canning.
- Late 2023: Collapses into administration for a second time after 18 months of trading.
- Early 2024: Acquired by TJ Morris Brewing, the owner of Home Bargains.
- Late 2025: Earns a place in the prestigious Good Beer Guide.
Recognition and Renewed Focus
The inclusion in the Good Beer Guide is a significant morale boost for the brewery and its staff. Team manager Daisy Cheesman expressed her excitement about the award and what it means for the business.
"I was buzzing when I found out about the news," she said. "The team work so hard here, but this award will just do heaps for us. This award will hopefully bring us more people, proper good cask ale drinkers that otherwise wouldn’t have heard of us."
Cheesman, who manages a team of 15, believes the recognition will help attract a new demographic of customers who appreciate quality cask ale. The brewery's current clientele is varied, including couples and younger groups drawn to its restaurant and bar.
The Unique Brewery Experience
Located in a former elastic band warehouse, Love Lane Brewery offers a distinctive, industrial setting in the heart of the Baltic Triangle. A key feature of the venue is its open design, which allows patrons to see the brewing process in action.
"One of our unique selling points is that the brewery gives people somewhere palpable. You can actually physically visit the brewery, touch it and dine in it," Cheesman explained. "It’s a wrap-around service. People want more than just a beer these days."
The venue aims to provide an immersive experience, combining food and drink in a unique way. "You can quite literally sit, have a pie and a pint and the pie is made out of the beer in the brewery as well," she added.
Did you know? Love Lane Brewery is housed in a converted rubber warehouse, which contributes to its rustic and industrial aesthetic. Head brewers Matt Buist and Jon Kyme oversee the production that visitors can watch while they dine.
Stability Under New Ownership
The backing of a major company like TJ Morris provides the brewery with a level of security it previously lacked. This stability is crucial in a hospitality sector that continues to face significant economic pressures.
Operations manager Rod Grainger acknowledged the difficult past but emphasized the team's forward-looking perspective. "The business has been bust twice now, but we aren’t focusing on that. We are the new team here making a difference," he stated.
Grainger noted that the brewery resumed production of cask beer late last year, a move that has generated considerable interest. He sees the support from the new owners as essential for navigating the current climate.
"The support we have now from TJ Morris and Home Bargains gives us the ability to ride against the tide," Grainger said. "It’s very hard at the moment - hospitality is on its knees. A lot of people are worried about jobs and it's understandable. But we are still working on making more progress."
With a renewed focus on quality beer, a dedicated team, and the financial backing of a retail giant, Love Lane Brewery is poised to put its turbulent history behind it and build a sustainable future in Liverpool's competitive food and drink scene.