A respected Surrey microbrewery is preparing to brew its final batch as soaring energy bills, taxes and operating costs force the business to shut down after 14 years.
Thurstons Brewery in Horsell, near Woking, has announced that its current stock will be the last beer ever produced at the brewery.
Owner John Mintram said the dream had been to expand the brewery, but relentless cost pressures made that impossible.
“Covid came along but it’s just too much now with the gas and taxes,” he said. “It’s all getting too expensive.”
“You Can’t Sell £8 or £9 Pints”
John warned that customers are already feeling the squeeze and there is a limit to how much publicans can charge.
“People are feeling the squeeze — you can’t sell £8 or £9 pints,” he said.
Thurstons Brewery first opened in 2012 and moved next to The Crown in 2014, operating a 4.5-barrel brewing plant producing a range of popular local ales, bitters and stout.
Its beers have been supplied to pubs across Surrey, earning a loyal following among real ale enthusiasts.
The Crown Pub Will Live On
While the brewery is closing, The Crown pub will remain open.
The final batches of Thurstons beers will be served exclusively at the pub, giving customers one last opportunity to enjoy the brewery’s award-winning ales.
Another Blow for Britain’s Brewers
The closure comes at a difficult time for the UK pub and brewing industry.
Recent figures from the British Beer and Pub Association show that 161 pubs closed in the first three months of 2026 — almost two every day.
Rising wage costs, higher business rates, increased utility bills and changing consumer habits continue to place enormous pressure on independent brewers and publicans.
For local beer lovers, the loss of Thurstons Brewery is another reminder of the challenges facing Britain’s traditional brewing industry.
