Big Shed Brewing forced to close immediately as landlords terminate lease
An award-winning South Australian craft brewery has shut its doors following a dispute with their landlord.
Big Shed Brewing has suddenly shut down after the brewer’s landlords terminated its lease – but its owners are determined to re-open the business.
The team behind the beloved SA craft brewery made the announcement this afternoon, saying they have been forced to close, effective immediately, after a dispute with the landlords of the site, on Old Port Road, Royal Park.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I need to let you know that the landlord has decided to terminate our lease and (is) currently securing the building. This obviously means that for now at least we are closed,” they posted on social media.
“What does this mean for Big Shed, honestly we don’t yet know, it is still far too early in the piece. It is our goal to resolve this issue and get back to slinging the good stuff ASAP.”
Founded by Craig Basford and Jason Harris in 2002, Big Shed was placed in administration in February 2024 with debts of about $4.2m, including more than $1.3m which its owners had loaned back to the business in a bid to keep it operating.
A month later, it was revealed they would continue operating after its creditors agreed to a deal to keep the Royal Park brewery afloat.
The craft brewer moved into new premises on Old Port Rd just before the pandemic hit, and had been operating in the red ever since.
Big Shed owners, including Basford and Harris, said on social media that they had been working on a long-term plan in consultation with the site’s landlords.
“As far as we were aware, that plan was agreed (outside the official signing of documents) and we were making good on that plan,” they wrote.
“This morning a lawyer arrived and began the process of terminating our lease.
“If this is farewell and again we will work our arses off to avoid that, let me say thank you. You guys are why we go through the sh*t days and you’ve helped us celebrate the good! You’ve taught us so much, and I love you for it.”
Big Shed Brewing has been contacted for comment.
The company has won numerous awards for its beers and made headlines with its collaboration with confectionery company Menz to create the BruChocs beers based on the popular FruChocs products.
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Originally published as Big Shed Brewing forced to close immediately as landlords terminate lease
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