'It's heart breaking': Leeds alcoholic ginger beer brewery and taproom to close amid 'brutal' conditions

The founder of a Leeds brewery and tap room that specialises in alcoholic ginger beer has said that he is “heartbroken” by the closure of the business.

DMC Brewery was founded by Morley husband and wife Giuseppe ‘Gez’ Romano and Ele Romano; who began brewing the organic drinks during the Covid lockdown before opening a taproom under the arches on Railway Street in 2023.

The venue has built a strong, dedicated community in its time since opening, who head to the bar to try the traditionally brewed drinks and enjoy the music, karaoke and company available.

But this week Gez sadly announced that DMC Brewery will “cease to trade as a business” on July 13.

The Instagram post reads: “Thankyou to every single person that has supported us in the last 6 years. We wouldn’t have got this far without you. It’s you that helped put ginger beer back on the map (Ginger flavoured lager, not so much)

“We’d love to see as many of you down at the taproom as possible before we go.”

Speaking with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Gez said: “We have a very strong community that has support us but sadly we need more than that.

“As a concept it’s great and it’s been well received but unfortunately being in such a niche market it’s hard.”

The recipes are based on historically accurate ginger beer brewing techniques from the 1700s, and DMC Brewery has prided itself on being the only brewery of its kind in the UK.

Gez said: “We’ve been trying to pave the way for ginger beer but ultimately the economic situation, the constant rise of overheads and a load of other stuff has caught up with us.

“It’s what every brewery will tell you. There’s only so much you can absorb the cost and there’s only so much you can expect people to pay for a pint.”

Gez said that the price of ginger, which they import from China and Brazil, has “increased dramatically” in the past year.

He continued: “The economic situation for hospitality has been brutal. Any bar or pub or restaurant or brewery will tell you the costs are increasing and are almost guaranteed to keep increasing.

“It’s got to the point where I can’t risk the ability to provide for my family. It’s been difficult.”

The taproom has hosted many memorable evenings, with live shows in the 100-capacity space and fancy dress nights among the highlights for Gez and those who had gathered when we visited and attested to the wonderful environment the venue provides.

Gez said: “We started out with a really, really, really ridiculous idea that then grew bones.

“We have tried our best. I believe in the product and there’s a demand. People love the place and I love the fact that people love it.”

Gez explained that the venue will remain open until July 12 and planned gigs and events will go ahead as planned.

He said: “This is the end for now. But don’t count us out just now. It’s not over until the fat man sings and I ain’t singing yet.”

“We are going to be brewing as much as we can and getting it out to other suppliers over the country for as long as we possibly can do.”