Harrogate-based Rooster’s Brewery has acquired Daleside Brewery Ltd with the help of a substantial amount of new capital from a private investor.
Daleside will continue to operate as a separate company with its existing team of staff and brew its existing range of beers, but will in due course transfer and fill spare capacity at Rooster’s in Harrogate’s Hornbeam Park. The two businesses will continue to trade separately within their respective markets with the Daleside portfolio of beers brewed by their existing team, using their own dedicated strain of yeast.
Daleside Brewery was founded in 1991 by Bill Witty, who passed away in 2007. Eric Lucas joined the brewery in 1993, eventually becoming MD.
Ian Fozard, Rooster’s Chairman, said: “We know the Daleside business and the team well and, with only a few miles between us, have helped each other countless times out over the years. In addition, my son Oliver, Rooster’s Head Brewer, did his apprenticeship and cut his teeth in the world of brewing at Daleside in the early 2000’s, while I was also a good friend of Daleside founder Bill Witty.”
Eric Lucas, Daleside’s MD, said “The long-term future of Daleside Brewery, its team and its brands have been secured and will remain in Harrogate with the highly respected and acclaimed Rooster’s Brewery. Being with Daleside has been an astonishing and enjoyable journey. On behalf of myself and my fellow owners, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and has been part of this great Daleside experience. I’m sure that we’re all looking forward to many pints of both Daleside and Rooster’s beers in the future.”
