An award-winning independent brewery has entered liquidation following 12 years of business. Farr Brew, which specialises in real ales including IPAs, porters and bitters, was founded by friends Nick Farr and Matt Elvidge in 2014.

Despite a message on the brewery's website stating the tap room will be closed until the spring, it has been confirmed the company has collapsed. According to The Gazette, the UK's official public record for company insolvenices, a winding-up order was issued on Wednesday, April 15. The news comes after Farr Brew's Elephant and Castle pub in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, shut earlier this year.

The brewery announced the closure due to financial struggles and failed negiotiations with the building's owner, Greene King. Farr Brew cited tough trading conditions, including increased rent and electric, as the reasons behind the closure.

The Elephant and Castle pub said in a post on Facebook in January: "So - with sadness we must let you know that we will be leaving the Elephant & Castle. This may come as a surprise to many - most come in the summer and see how vibrant the place is. But Autumn, Winter and Spring we lose money - and quite a lot. We simply can't field the losses any further."

They added: "We have loved our time here but trading conditions just aren't how they were when we agreed on the rent (rent, electric and rates alone are north of £130K per year). So that's £2500 to come from margin per week - just vastly beyond what we can achieve in this pub in the colder months.

"And that's before we pay staff, ingredients, insurances etc etc etc. We tried to negotiate with the freeholder - Greene King but had no success. We argued that trading conditions have changed. But no movement from them."

The post continued: "There are rumours about the parent company - Farr Brew. And yes, things are difficult - its hospitality in 2026. We only need to look at Oakman, Brewdog, Stonegate etc etc to see the way things are at present. We are looking at finance options to support the parent company."

Meanwhile, a message on Farr Brew's website said: "We have decided to keep the tap room closed until the Spring as its frankly impossible to heat and keep warm. So we look forward to seeing you again in March / April when the farm starts looking slightly less muddy!

"We also must announce that we have decided to close the Elephant and Castle pub - the numbers just didn't stack up and we had to make a tough decision. We thank you all for your custom there."

It has now been confirmed that Farr Brew has entered liquidation. The company operated a 10-barrel brewery and taproom in Herfordshire, serving high-quality and traditional real ales.

As well as being finalists in the Hertfordshire Beer of the Year competition, their porter was recommended by beer writer Roger Protz. Farr Brew, which used sustainable brewing methods and local ingredients, also featured at local events, including the St Albans Beer Festival, and worked with local groups such as the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Farr Brew has been approached for comment.