Leeds-based Northern Monk, one of the UK’s leading founder-led craft breweries, has launched a crowdfunding campaign with three main initiatives to propel its next phase of growth.
The ‘Join the Rising’ campaign aims to raise £1m from individuals who want to own a part of the brewery and support Northern Monk in three key areas:
- Opening a Flagship Venue in London: Northern Monk plans to establish a prominent venue in the capital, providing a central hub for its community in London and beyond.
- Expanding the Brewery: To meet increasing demand and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, Northern Monk intends to expand its brewing capacity.
- Enhancing the Original Brewery Site: The Old Flax Store in Leeds will be transformed into the UK’s premier brewery visitor experience.
Early access sign-ups can enjoy a free pint of Northern Monk beer at The Lyric in Soho, the Northern Monk Refectories in Leeds and Manchester, the Northern Market in Leeds, and XXXX in Edinburgh.
Russell Bisset, Co-Founder and Managing Director, shared: “From humble beginnings in a damp cellar in Bradford with a £5,000 gift from a grandparent, we dreamed of creating a brewery that was ‘Fresh from the North’ and aimed to deliver some of the world’s best beer experiences. After 11 years, we’re entering an exciting new era and inviting people to join us on this journey. Our community’s support has been crucial to our success, and now we can set ambitious goals for the future.”
He continued: “We aim to bring the freshest Northern Monk experience to the heart of London, creating a gathering place for our community. The pandemic delayed our plans, but we’re now ready to launch a flagship venue in the capital, with more tap rooms to follow in 2025 and beyond. We also plan to expand our brewery’s capacity and efficiency, aiming for self-reliance by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2030. Lastly, we want to make the Old Flax Store the top craft beer tourist destination in the UK.”
Investors will receive various exclusive rewards based on their investment level, including discounts, exclusive merchandise, brew days with the team, and free beer.
Since its last investment round in 2018, Northern Monk has brewed over 40m pints, increased revenue by 400%, and secured placements in all major UK retailers. Today, Northern Monk stands as one of the largest founder-led craft breweries in the UK.
Janice Cargo, Partner at Active Partners, a consumer specialist investment firm and long-time investor in Northern Monk, added: “Russell and the team have built something exceptional at Northern Monk. From their northern roots, they’ve created unparalleled beer experiences for millions, built a loyal community, and are on track to become one of Europe’s largest craft breweries. We’re excited to support their next chapter and welcome new and existing investors to help shape Northern Monk’s future.”
For more information, visit northernmonk.com/pages/join-the-rising.