Molson Coors has announced plans to shut down Sharp’s Brewery in Rock, Cornwall, by the end of 2026, putting around 50 jobs at risk. The US-based company, which acquired the site in 2011, cited financial unsustainability as the reason. The closure is part of broader restructuring affecting up to 200 positions across its UK and Ireland operations.
Sharp’s Brewery, founded in 1994 by Bill Sharp in Rock, Cornwall, has been a key producer of cask ales, including the UK’s best-selling Doom Bar, named after a sandbank in the Camel estuary. The brewery also makes brands such as Atlantic Pale Ale, Sea Fury, and Offshore. Molson Coors acquired the site for £20 million in 2011 and has since invested more than £20 million to expand capacity and support innovation.
On February 25, 2026, Molson Coors revealed proposals to close the brewery by the end of 2026, stating that the site is “no longer financially sustainable” as part of its national production network. The decision follows exploration of all alternatives and aims to “unlock efficiencies and cost-savings” for long-term growth. Simon Kerry, managing director for UK and Ireland at Molson Coors, said: “The proposed closure of Sharp’s Brewery has not been an easy decision for us to make. It has been a significant part of our UK business for 15 years, with an exceptional and committed team who take such huge pride in their craft.”
The closure could lead to around 50 redundancies at the Rock site. Separately, Molson Coors plans to shut its national contact centre in Cardiff, Wales, by the end of the year, affecting about 150 staff, as nearly 90% of customer orders are now placed online. Kerry added: “The proposed closure of our national contact centre is no reflection on the brilliant work of our teams, but is in response to these changes.” In total, the proposals may result in around 200 redundancies across the UK and Ireland business.
Despite the closure, Molson Coors remains “committed” to Sharp’s brands and is exploring alternative production routes, including partnerships with other producers. Much of the bottled Doom Bar is already brewed in Burton-upon-Trent.
Local reactions have been strong. Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, called the news “a hammer blow for the local economy” and urged protections for Cornish products similar to those for the Cornish pasty. Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), described it as “just another example of a global brewing giant destroying the nation’s cask brewing heritage.” John Brown, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, expressed empathy for affected workers, noting rising costs in energy and infrastructure.
