In a surprising turn for one of the UK’s most recognisable beer brands, BrewDog is starting to vanish from the taps of pubs up and down the country. Once a staple of craft beer lineups especially with the ever-popular Punk IPA the brand is now facing a bit of a reckoning.
The phrase “brewdog beers axed by pubs” isn’t just clickbait anymore, it’s what’s happening in real time.
So, what’s behind this sudden shift away from one of the UK’s best-known beer names?
Not Just About the Beer Anymore
Let’s be clear: most landlords dropping BrewDog aren’t doing it because the beer’s gone bad. In fact, many will tell you it still sells well. What’s changed is the feeling around the brand.
BrewDog which once prided itself on being an independent disruptor has been under fire for the past couple of years. Allegations of a toxic workplace culture, accusations of hypocrisy, and some very public missteps from its leadership have left a bitter aftertaste for some.
When stories surfaced about unhappy employees, claims of bullying, and questionable internal practices, it became harder for some pubs to justify having the brand on their taps, especially when customers started noticing too.
Publicans Respond to Customer Sentiment
Several independent pubs have gone on record to say they’re responding to their regulars people asking why BrewDog was still being stocked after everything that’s come out.
“People vote with their wallets,” said one pub manager in Leeds. “And we’re listening to that.”
That’s not to say every customer is boycotting. But in an industry that’s become more socially conscious and where pub owners are looking to align with brands that reflect their values BrewDog seems to be losing some of its appeal.
Has BrewDog Outgrown Its Punk Roots?
Let’s face it when BrewDog Beers Axed by Pubs first showed up, it felt fresh. Loud branding, clever marketing, and a bold attitude made it easy to root for them. But after 15+ years, a global expansion, and supermarkets stocking its beers alongside Carling and Stella, the brand’s “outsider” image feels a bit… stretched.
For pubs that pride themselves on being champions of the independent scene, that matters. It’s not just about being craft it’s about authenticity. And for some, BrewDog doesn’t fit that box anymore.
A Brewing Opportunity for Smaller Brands
Interestingly, the BrewDog backlash if you want to call it that has opened the door for smaller, local breweries to step in.
Without a brand like BrewDog hogging several taps, landlords are finding space to try new things, support regional brewers, and offer punters something a bit different.
“We’ve brought in two beers from a microbrewery just outside Bristol,” a landlord in Bath told us. “People love the change, and we feel better about where our money’s going.”
BrewDog’s Response? Mixed at Best
To their credit, BrewDog hasn’t ignored the criticism. Founder James Watt has issued public apologies, and the company claims to have made internal changes to address the concerns.
But for some, the apologies have felt corporate, rehearsed like damage control rather than real reflection.
Whether the brand can turn that around remains to be seen. Rebuilding trust, especially in a market like craft beer where loyalty is earned pint by pint, won’t be easy.
Not Everyone’s Jumped Ship
Let’s not pretend this is the end of BrewDog. Their beers still feature in plenty of pubs and major retailers, and the company remains a huge player in the UK beer scene.
Plenty of drinkers either aren’t aware of the controversy or simply don’t care they like the beer and that’s enough.
And that’s okay too. Every pub makes decisions based on its customers, its values, and what works for its business.
Final Thoughts
The fact that BrewDog beers axed by pubs isn’t necessarily a death knell for the brand but it does say something about where the industry is heading.
Consumers are more tuned in to how companies behave. Pub owners are more careful about what they put on the bar. And craft beer isn’t just about flavour anymore it’s about identity, ethics, and accountability.
BrewDog may weather the storm, but it’s clear that for some, the shine has worn off. Whether they bounce back will depend not just on new beers or bold ads, but on real, meaningful change the kind you can’t just bottle up and sell.
