Much-loved local brewery Gipsy Hill Brewing Co. has announced it will move the majority of its beer production out of South London due to unsustainable rent increases.

The decision comes after the brewery was hit with another double-digit rent rise, making it financially unviable to continue large-scale brewing at its Hamilton Road site. The news marks a significant shift for the independent brewery, which has been a fixture in the Gipsy Hill community for nearly a decade.

Co-founder Charlie Shaw described the rent hike as "devastating," despite the business seeing strong growth - flagship beer Hepcat is up 19% in sales year-on-year. “No amount of growth or improved efficiency can offset our escalating overheads,” he said. “The commercial viability of having a large or even midsized brewery with a London postcode has been brought sharply into question.”

Gipsy Hill was acquired last year by Sunrise Alliance Beverages, a move intended to secure its long-term future. At the time, leases were signed through to the end of 2027, with hopes to continue brewing locally. However, ongoing cost pressures have forced the company to relocate brewing to Curious Brewery in Kent, one of Sunrise’s sister sites.

The team has pledged that beer quality will not be compromised, and production will only move once the Kent site can match the standards set in Gipsy Hill. Most of the production team will be offered roles elsewhere within the company, with relocation support provided.

While the brewery’s future remains secure, the move highlights the challenges facing independent businesses in London as they struggle with rising overheads - particularly in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.

Gipsy Hill Brewing Co. plans to maintain a local presence in the community and will continue to operate its taproom, offering locals a place to enjoy its beers brewed further afield.

For more updates, visit gipsyhillbrew.com