A BREWERY that produced a range of beers sold in pubs and shops across Hampshire has gone into administration. 

Red Cat Brewing, which has been trading from Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close, Winchester, posted its goodbye message on its Facebook page on Friday, June 9. 

It said: "Thank you and goodbye....

"Red Cat Brewing has entered administration, but I would really like to thank everyone that has been with us along the way, and I mean EVERYONE... customers, staff, friends, family and the awesome open day crew, you have all been amazing during the journey.

"However, like many others, unfortunately we didn't make it.

"I'm sorry for the radio silence but there has been lots to do in the best interest of the company.

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"We have had some amazing times along the way, we have had some great laughs and made memories that will stay forever, not to mention making some great friends... We may have enjoyed a pint or two along the way...

"I really hope that everyone out there remembers Red Cat fondly, and I hope we made at least one beer that you enjoyed.

"So, no more standing on a barrel at open days being heckled by you drunk lot for me now!

"Thank you ALL once again. I mean it. Big love, Andy. P.S We didn't do boring..." 

Red Cat Brewing was set up by Iain McIntosh, who formerly ran The Flowerpots Brewery, and Andy Mansell, former landlord of The Fulflood pub who is also the son of Clive who ran Itchen Valley Brewery. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Red Cat Brewing

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They set up the company in 2013, finding a home for their brewery in December of that year, creating their first brews in March 2014, and setting up a shop and tap room. 

The business picked up much acclaim for its range of beers, winning several regional awards over the years including being named the winner at the 2015 Salisbury Winterfest. Its Mr M’s Porter was also voted Camra Champion Porter of Britain in 2018.

Mr McIntosh resigned as director in 2018. 

Red Cat joins a raft of other breweries across the UK to face trouble this year due to rising production prices, customers cutting back on spending due to the cost of living crisis, and the impact of protracted pub closures in 2020 and 2021. 

Breweries to close in the last 12 months include Skinner’s of Cornwall, Kent’s Old Dairy, Wild Beer and Leeds Brewery, Bedlam of Sussex, Black Sheep in Yorkshire, Alphabet of Manchester and Gosport's Fallen Acorn.