Multinational brewery and bar chain BrewDog has announced it is closing a total of 10 different venues across the UK, with some staff reportedly given just 'days' notice.
BrewDog has become one of the most recognisable names and brands in the hospitality sector and has even expanded into the likes of the US, Germany, Australia, India and more in the 18 years since it was founded.
However, the self-proclaimed 'number one craft brewer in Europe' has now confirmed that nearly a 10th of all its worldwide bars are soon set to close (very soon) and, unfortunately, they're all here in Britain: one in Leeds city centre and two others nearby.
Revealing the details of the closures on Tuesday, 22 July, CEO James Taylor - who only took up the role back in March - is said to have told staff in a company-wide email that the decision follows an "extremely difficult" decade for the industry.
🚨| BREAKING: BrewDog is closing 10 bars across the UK, with staff reportedly given "three days' notice".
Unite Hospitality: "In what universe is 3 DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!"
According to The Guardian, Taylor's letter reads: "Following much consideration, we have sadly concluded that there is no realistic prospect of making these venues commercially viable...
"Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow.
"This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division’s focus."
The majority of these bars are now set to close this Saturday (26 July), with some staff only being given just three days' notice of their imminent dismissal. BrewDog insist that a 14-day consultation process for those at risk of redundancy is in place.
As well as the Leeds North Street location, other Yorkshire sites set to shut this weekend include our friends over in Sheffield and the region's capital, where the Micklegate bar will be closing its doors for good.
For context, this falls below the minimum legal requirements, which start from at least one week for anyone who has been there for up to two years and multiples for each year served - i.e. five weeks equates to at least a month's notice period.
This man has just made millions from thousands of bar workers grafting over Christmas and New Year on just above the minimum wage.
The same man who was sunning himself in the Maldives weeks before his company abandoned the real living wage. #JamesWatt has absolutely no… pic.twitter.com/YP7io2YCz7
Issuing a public statement via the BBC, Unite Hospitality's national lead, Bryan Simpson, said: "For BrewDog to give loyal workers less than four days' notice of the closure of their workplace is not just morally repugnant, it is potentially unlawful.
"This is yet another example of a company that doesn't have the slightest regard for basic employment law, let alone the welfare of their workers.
"We are currently supporting our members across these 10 sites to collectively challenge these redundancies, and we would urge anyone impacted to reach out to us for legal support."
The backlash online following this news has been understandably furious, with many accusing the brand of breaking the law, as well as showing a lack of care and even "contempt" for their workforce.
Alleging "demeaning" behaviour and a "toxic" atmosphere which severely damaged people's mental health on co-founder James Watt's watch, as well as other previous management, even more current and ex-BrewDog workers simply felt unable to sign.
Sending our best to all those impacted by the closures.
Leeds United have provided a positive update regarding the plans to upgrade Elland Road, which should serve as both a relief and a bit of Christmas stocking fillers for fans.
Following their fantastic 4-1 win over Crystal Palace last week, The Whites have delivered even more good news, with the application to the City Council to expand their home stadium said to be making progress.
Announcing the latest developments in a press release on Tuesday, 23 December, Leeds have now revealed more information about the project.
While full planning permission is still yet to be granted - though the general consensus seems to be one of confidence - matchgoers now have more clarification on what the renovations will mean for them.
🏟️ #LUFC is pleased to share further information regarding the planning application submitted to Leeds City Council
Sharing more details in an official statement, the club wrote: "The application included a detailed plan for the West Stand, along with an outline for the North Stand for the evolution of Elland Road, taking the overall capacity to approximately 53,000."
They also explain how the plans take into account not only greater general admission numbers but demands for hospitality facilities as well, with approximately 26k currently on the waiting list for a season ticket.
It goes on to read: "Public consultations held prior to the submission of the planning application with supporters and the local community, which were overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals.
"In total, 98% of respondents supported the club’s overall proposals to enhance Elland Road Stadium, 97% of respondents supported an increase in capacity, 98% of respondents supported the design plans, and 99% of respondents supported the economic benefits that would be delivered locally.
Not only will the fan base be glad to learn more about what the expansion will entail, but that the proposals are still very much in motion, as the latest update prior to this cast significant doubt over the timeline.
Thankfully, the club has fresh info in this department too.
"After extensive discussions with Leeds City Council Highways Department, Leeds United are pleased to have received support for the planning application", the statement continues.
"The club can today announce one of the most significant Section 106 agreements, which will fund highway improvements around Elland Road and the city of Leeds.
Also promising a 'sustainable and dynamic travel plan', upgrades will also be made to matchday public transport services and parking.
Perhaps the biggest relief, however, is that those who currently sit in the West Stand will remain in place, with assurances that the upgraded South Stand will also be kept entirely for home fans, maximising atmosphere during games.
Although further consultation is likely to take place as a better idea of commencement and completion dates becomes clearer, it's nevertheless looking like an exciting new chapter for Elland Road and Leeds United.
Here’s how you can get 59 days off work in 2026 using only 28 days of annual leave
Emily Sergeant
Can you believe we'll be getting ready to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in a new year next week?
2025 has been quite the year, and with the working world getting ready to wind down for the festive season, many are no doubt already looking ahead to the new year, and planning all the holidays and time off work they want to book.
Fancy making the most of it though? For those looking to play their cards right and hack the system a little bit, some clever clogs has worked out a way to secure yourself a whopping 59 days off work by using just 28 days of your annual leave allowance - and it’s pretty impressive.
With most full-time employees who work a five-day week having a minimum of 28 days (5.6 weeks) of paid annual leave each year, travel experts have figured out how these people can effectively double their time off in 2026.
How to get 59 days off work in 2026 using only 28 days of annual leave / Credit: Road Ahead | Kaitlyn Baker (via Unsplash)
January
It may be a tad too late for some, but if you're still able to extend your new year celebrations, then you'll want to book Friday 2 January off to create a long weekend.
Easter
Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April - Thanks to those two Bank Holidays we get off around Easter time, by booking Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April, and then Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April off, you can enjoy a massive 16 days off work by just using eight days of annual leave.
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March - Weekend
Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April - Annual Leave
Friday 3 April - Good Friday
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April (Easter Sunday) - Weekend
Monday 6 April - Easter Monday
Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April - Annual Leave
Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April - Annual Leave
May
Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 May and Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May - Thanks to the two Bank Holidays in May, there's two ways for you to enjoy nine days off in a row by only using four days of annual leave.
August
Saturday 29 August - Sunday 6 September - With another Bank Holiday in August, by booking Tuesday 1 though to Friday 4 September as annual leave, you can enjoy nine days of summer holiday in total.
December
Saturday 19 December 2026 - 3 January 2027 - With the Christmas Day and Boxing Day Bank Holidays, as well as the Boxing Day substitute day, and New Year's Day too, you can book just seven days off on from 21 to 24 December, and 29 to 31 December, to enjoy a whopping 16 days off in total.
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 December - Weekend
Monday 21 - Thursday 24 December - Annual Leave
Friday 25 & Saturday 26 December - Christmas Day and Boxing Day (& weekend)
Sunday 27 December - Weekend
Monday 28 December - Bank Holiday (Boxing Day substitute)
Tuesday 29 - Thursday 31 December - Annual Leave
Friday 1 January 2026 - New Year's Day
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 January - Weekend
Wellbeing Coach Lorna Wilkins has explored the health-boosting benefits of going on holiday and taking time off from work.
"One of the key health benefits of going on holiday is that it reduces stress," Lorna explains.
"Having a break from your daily routine can make you feel more relaxed and therefore improve your mental wellbeing. A change of environment and getting away from the pressures of day-to-day life not only helps you to clear your mind but can also help to improve your sleep quality as you’ll be feeling more relaxed."
Danny Jones -
23rd July 2025 
