Time called on Malton brewery (From Gazette & Herald)

Time called on Malton brewery

BEER production at a prestigious North Yorkshire brewery has ceased - but the company plans to start anew at a modern facility.

Malton Brewery Company Ltd, which was founded in the stable block at the rear of Suddaby's Crown Hotel, Wheelgate, Malton, in 1984, has been put into voluntary administration by David Horner & Co, of Clifton Moor, York.

Neil Suddaby, managing director of Suddaby's and son of Malton Brewery founder Bob Suddaby, said the company had been replaced by a new one, Suddaby's Ltd.

Mr Suddaby said: "I have been concerned for some time that we needed to address a range of issues within Malton Brewery to enable us to remain competitive in a very challenging market and retain the high quality of our product," .

"With no investment coming through the existing company, we have had no alternative but to embark upon root and branch change to improve our commercial viability."

Manufacturing, sales and distribution, formerly based at the Crown Hotel, will be transferred to a modern brewery in the future.

Until new premises are found, the company has employed a number of contract brewers so production and supply to existing customers will be unaffected.

Mr Suddaby said: "We have made a significant effort in establishing the new company structure for Suddaby's Ltd, which will bring together our brewing and hotel operations.

"This is part of a long-term strategy to create a new, integrated family business enabling us to further develop our hospitality business and maximise brewing opportunities and retail distribution contacts across the UK."

The brewery supplied more than 25 outlets and several beer agencies.

It was best known for Double Chance and Golden Chance, and seasonal beers like Pickwick's Porter and the bottle-conditioned beer Auld Bob.

Updated: 09:42 Friday, April 30, 2004