‘We are so immensely grateful to the whole community’
A microbrewery in Driffield has announced it is closing down after more than a decade in the town. Pumphouse Brewing Company in Twydale Business Park announced the news on its social media pages on Friday.
In 2023, it was recognised in the “Yorkshire Beer Bible” where it was described as a “local phenomenon”. The guide noted some beers are aged up to three years to build their strength and taste.
Pumphouse Brewing Company said the decision to permanently close was made due to “rising costs, a decreasing customer base and footfall”, making the business “financially unpredictable”. The owners also cited medical treatments and caring for “autistic twin boys” as reasons for the closure.
They expressed gratitude “to the whole community”, including “amazing loyal and regular customers” and “wonderful staff past and present”. The final opening night would be held on Saturday, 27 December.
The message was signed by Joanne and Zsolt Hangrad, the directors of the company. Dozens of people have reacted to the news.
One customer said they were “absolutely gutted but totally understand”. Another commented they were “really sad to read this, but family has to come first”.
Pumphouse Brewing Company was initially established as The Beer Works in 2016 before changing to its current name in 2019. It specialised in the production of “small batches of eclectic beers using traditional recipes”, according to its LinkedIn page.
The owners’ statement in full
“We would like to let all the Pumphouse community know, we have made a decision to close down the Brewery and Taproom at the end of the month and not to reopen in February. There are a number of factors that forced us to do this.
“On the personal level, for some time we have been struggling with multiple chronic illnesses in the family, upcoming medical treatments and the increased challenges of caring for our autistic twin boys. These issues have made us evaluate where our priorities are. To sum it all up, I am needed at home to be the main carer for the whole family.
“Unfortunately, rising costs, a decreasing customer base and footfall has made the business financially unpredictable, so hiring extra help to tie us over these difficult times is not an option. Ultimately, it is all down to the numbers.
“We are so immensely grateful to the whole community, our amazing loyal and regular customers, our vast array of fabulous Street Food vendors & all of the wonderful musicians that entertained us at the Pumphouse Taproom over the years. Also, a big thank you to the owner and manager of Twydale Business Park, our home, who were always very accommodating and helped to make our dream come true. We could not have done it without our wonderful staff, past and present, who we could rely on along the way. A special mention to Josh, who has probably filled more glasses with our brews, than anyone else! Thank you to each and every one of you.
“When we came to Driffield in 2014, we didn’t know a single person in town, but now I can seldom walk down Main Street without a few familiar faces greeting me. We feel part of the community, we made many friends, met a lot of great people, had a good time and we are grateful for all of that.
“We are open this weekend 19th & 20th December as normal. Our final opening night will be the 27th of December and we hope that many of you will be able to join us at the Pumphouse Taproom for the last time.
“Cheers, Jo & Zsolt and the rest of the Pumphouse team.”