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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Asian destination that can't get enough of a favourite British dish - and it's HALF the price
It's a country that runs on ramen and sushi, but apparently the Japanese have developed a passion for some stodgier English fare - including fish and chips, Devon fudge and cream teas. Department store Takashimaya, which has branches across the country, regularly hosts 'English markets' selling everything from pots of traditional English marmalade to Scottish kilts and Paddington bear memorabilia - and even pints of Brewdog IPA. The markets have proved such a hit with Japanese shoppers that British suppliers have been jetted over to the likes of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto to ensure consumers can enjoy an authentic experience. Amongst those peddling their wares to Japanese customers is a fish and chip outlet called Malin's, which serves up hearty portions of the battered British staple for around £8.20 a portion, significantly cheaper than what many of us are paying on English soil at the moment - with cod and chips coming in at as much as £15. While there's no sign of mushy peas or pickled eggs on sale, the English market's chippy does serve up golden-hued pasties, although some of the fillings might shock purists. At the market on the top floor of Kyoto's Takashimaya store last week, flavours being sold to hungry customers included a classic Cornish style beef pasty - and a host of fruitier fillings, including banana and apple. Elsewhere, there was a Devon fudge counter, with cubes of the sweet treat being served in paper bags. Perhaps the biggest queue was to be found at a pop-up up cafe, where cream tea enthusiasts were partaking in cups of English Breakfast tea and fluffy scones served with clotted cream and raspberry jam. Apparently the markets have become so popular they've become regular fixtures, with stalls expanded to include other items. There's bottles of Scottish whisky from The Un-Chillfiltered Collection, which retail at around 9,900 Yen, around £50. A flea market section saw examples of crockery featuring famous British faces including members of the royal family, Toby jugs bearing the images of Margaret Thatcher and Henry VIII and a whole section dedicated to Paddington bear. Memorabilia, including plates that celebrate the late Queen and Union Jack tea cosies are also in the mix. British universities are celebrated on preppy baseball caps, there's merch galore featuring British bands, including Oasis and the Beatles, as well as Scottish kilts and fashion items featuring British place names. While British food is often much maligned, there's a surprising number of foreign destinations that are smitten with some of our dishes. Every August, the hilltop town of Barga, Italy, hosts its annual Fish and Chip festival, which admittedly sounds a little more cosmopolitan in Italian - 'Sagra del Pesce e Patate'. Legions of locals turn up to dine on battered fish and chips, doused in salt and vinegar - although it's unclear whether other chip shop favourites such as mushy peas, battered onion rings and pickled eggs make the cut. How did the Tuscan town, which typically enjoys a diet of olive oil, pizza and pasta, fall in love with our own deep-fried staple? Italian immigration to Scotland in the early 20th century holds the key; many Barga residents upped sticks and sought a new life north of the English border. While many of those who relocated to Scotland brought an Italian foodie favourite with them - gelato - and opened ice-cream stores, others found work in the most popular takeaway of the time, the humble chippie. Scottish singer Paolo Nutini's family hails from the walled town, which lies around 45 minutes drive from Florence, and is popular with tourists exploring Tuscany. When immigrants later returned home - either to visit family during the summer holidays - or relocated permanently, they taught those back in Barga how to recreate the fish and chips they'd been serving up... and the rest is history. The Fish and Chip Festival has now been running since the 1980s and one Scottish-Italian who attended last year praised the event as a 'bucket list moment', writing on its Facebook page: 'Attended this year from Bonny Scotland. 'Had a great evening and delicious fish and chips thank you for your hospitality it was second to none. Another bucket list adventure ticked if our list.' Another, this time an Englishman, added: 'From Yorkshire to Barga, again, we've returned for our second year. Thank you very much, Forza Barga!!' On the menu, alongside a host of other Italian meals for those who remain unconvinced by the popular British takeaway, are portions of battered fish and chips, served on paper plates. There's one other dish that possibly wouldn't make the menu in a down-to-earth Scottish chippie - fagiolie cipolla, a side made up of cannellini or borlotti beans and sliced red onions. The festival this summer will be held from August 1st to August 17th in the town's AS Barga football stadium, which is named after the only Scottish-born male footballer to play for Italy, Johnny Moscardini. Moscardini was born in Falkirk in 1897 and learned to play football in the streets near his family's café in Manor Street. His family came from Barga and Moscardini enlisted in the Italian Army as a machine gunner, receiving a shrapnel wound to his left arm that restricted its movement until his death in 1985. While recovering from his injury he played football with Lucchese, Pisa and Genoa, during which time he won nine international caps, scoring seven goals. He played his last game for Italy against France on March 22, 1925, scoring twice in a 7-0 win. That year, however, he returned to Scotland to help run his uncle's Royal Cafe in Campbeltown. Long after his death in 1985, he remains Barga's favourite Scottish son.
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
All the places where kids eat for free of £1 in school holidays and where to get even more extras for free
There are over 20 promotions where kids can eat for a quid - or totally for free HOL YEAH! All the places where kids eat for free of £1 in school holidays and where to get even more extras for free Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE the summer holidays may be all fun and games for the little ones, millions of cash-strapped Brit parents are wondering how they'll feed their hungry kids. As a growing number of households are struggling to make ends meet, a huge range of popular eateries across the UK are offering a helping hand. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 At least 22 promotions where kids can eat free or for just £1 are available during the school breaks Credit: Morrisons 3 Whether you fancy a visit to Brewdog or some Italian, there are plenty of options Credit: Alamy 3 TGI Fridays is just one of the many spots where kids can enjoy a free meal Credit: Getty Here, Fabulous takes a look at the places where your child can enjoy a meal either for a quid - or totally free of charge - as rounded up by At least 22 promotions where kids can eat free or for just £1 are available during the school breaks. This list is not extensive, and there could be more deals if you look elsewhere. The best in-store cafe cheap eats ASDA Cafes What: Kids eat for 60p (kids hot meal deal or cold pick and mix selection) with no adult minimum spend. When: All day, every day, for the month of May (usually kids eat for £1) Dobbies Garden Centres What: Kids eat free (free children's breakfast with any adult traditional or full breakfast or a free child's hot meal or pick n mix lunch box) with an adult main meal, £1 supplement applies to kid's Sunday roast at selected restaurants. When: Daily, breakfast until 11:30am and then 12pm-3pm. Morrisons Cafes What: One free kids meal with one adult's meal costing £5 or more, including The Breakfasts, The Classics or The Chippy excluding extras. When: All day, every day. Sainsbury's Cafes What: One kid eats for £1 (children's hot main meal or lunch bag) with an adult hot main meal from £5.20. When: From 11.30am until cafe closes every day. Restaurant chains and pubs Angus Steakhouse What: One child aged 8 and under eats free per full-paying adult with a main course from the a la carte menu. When: Every day, 12-5pm (except Saturdays in Bond Street and Oxford Street branches). Bella Italia What: Kids can enjoy three delicious courses and a drink for free or £1. When: On Thursdays, one kid (2-11 years old) eats free all day with every adult meal; on Sundays to Wednesdays, one kid eats for £1 with every adult meal. Bills What: Up to two kids aged 10 and under can eat free per one adult main dish (breakfast, lunch, or dinner - excludes set menu). When: All day from Monday 26th - Friday 30th May (excluding Saturdays and Sundays). Four children in every British classroom are living in hygiene poverty Brewdog What: Pre-book and one child can eat free from the kids menu when an adult is eating too. When: In Scotland, from Saturday 3rd May - Monday 5th May 2025, and from Saturday 24th May - Monday 26th May. In England and Wales, from Saturday 3rd May - Monday 5th May 2025, and from Satuday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025. Burger King Where: selected sites, not valid at motorway service locations, airports, train stations and holiday parks. What: One child can get a free King Jr. Meal per qualifying adult burger meal when ordered via the Burger King App at a participating restaurant. When: 26th May to 1st June 2025 The Coconut Tree What: One child (10 and under) eats free per one paying adult. When: Sunday 25th May to Sunday 1st June Franco Manca What: One kid (aged 12 years and under) gets a free individual kids pizza for every full-priced adult main meal. When: Monday to Thursday. Farmhouse Inns What: Up to two kids get a free small main and scoop of ice cream when you buy an adult main. Sign up to their newsletter by 14th May to claim your voucher. When: 23rd - 30th May 2025. Gordon Ramsay Restaurants What: One child (aged 10 and under) gets a main course free from the Ramsay Kids Menu for each adult ordering two courses from the A la Carte (one course must be a main). When and where: Selected UK restaurants only. All day, every day at selected restaurants (e.g. Bread Street Kitchen Liverpool, Pizza East). Every week day at selected restaurants (e.g. Bread Street Kitchen City, Heddon Street Kitchen). Heathrow Airport What: One free kids meal for children under 12 (from the children's menu) with each adult main course costing over £14.95 (maximum of four free children's meals per table) at participating restaurants, such as Big Smoke, Leon, Giraffe, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, The Commission and more When: 26th May - 2nd April. Hungry Horse What: Two children can eat selected kids' mains for £1 (larger meals for £1.50) per full-paying adult (excludes starters, sharers and the lunch section of the adult menu). When: From 12pm on Mondays. Secrets of a school headteacher By the Secret Schoolteacher I STARTED working in schools in 1996, when parents respected teachers and left us alone to do our jobs. Not any more. Nowadays parents think nothing of barging into schools to read teachers the riot act if their precious child has been told off, or they'll send angry emails in the middle of the night. Warning — it doesn't make you popular. I've worked in all manner of schools across the south west of England, from state schools to private, and I can tell you that right now many teachers are dreading the start of the new school year. They're braced for tears and tantrums, not just from their pupils but from their parents too. Believe me, if you are an annoying parent it will spread round the staff room like wildfire. So whether it's your kid's first day at a new school, or they're moving up a year, these are the things you do that drive teachers crazy . . . Parents often turn up at the school gates complaining how frazzled they are, moaning that teachers must have had a nice long holiday while their six weeks stuck with the kids was the worst. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the first two weeks I'll almost certainly have been struck down by a lurgy which always seems to strike on the first day of the holiday. The next two weeks might have been an actual holiday, just like the average Brit takes in the summer, followed by two weeks of frantic lesson planning and administration. Also, consider that I've probably been working over 50 hours per week during term time. Contrary to popular opinion, we don't clock off at 3pm. Instead, we're roped into all manner of after-school activities and meetings before going home to do marking and more lesson planning. Please don't turn up and make sarcastic remarks about our 'six weeks off'. We won't be happy. Las Iguanas Where: selected restaurants only What: One kid (up to 12 years old) gets a free meal from the Niños menu when an adult orders a main course from the a la carte menu, when you download the app and join My Iguanas. Maximum one app perk can be redeemed per table. When: Every day (lunch menu is not included). OK Diners What: One child under 10 eats free (from the children's menu) when an adult purchases a main course from a la carte menu (at all OK Diners except those on the A1) When: All day, every day Pizza Hut What: One child under 12 eats free (from the pizza buffet) available between May 23 and June 2, when you spend £10 on other food with the code KEF When: Everyday until 3pm Preto What: One child up to 10 years old eats free per full-paying adult (once you've filled in your details on the website and downloaded the voucher) When: All weekend, and every weekday from 4pm Purezza What: One kid under 10 eats free (mini pizza with one topping) per adult When: Every day Sizzling Pubs What: One kids main meal for £1 per adult main meal (excludes breakfast) When: From 3pm-7pm, Mondays to Fridays (from 12pm during school holidays). TGI Fridays What: One free kids meal (excluding dessert) for 12 year olds and under per full-price adult's main, for Stripes Rewards customers. When: All day, every day (excluding bank holidays). The Real Greek What: One free kid's meal (from the kids menu) for every £15 adult spend, for children under 12 When: Sundays Breakfast freebies for kids Beefeater What: Two kids under 16 eat breakfast free for every adult unlimited breakfast costing £10.99 When: Until 10.30am weekdays and 11am weekends Brewers Fayre What: Two kids under 16 eat free with every adult breakfast, plus you can get a 3 course kids menu for just £6.49 When: Breakfast is 6:30am-10:30am on weekdays and 7am-11am on the weekend. Premier Inn What: Up to two kids under 16 eat breakfast free with an adult's full Premier Inn Breakfast or a Meal Deal When: Breakfast is available at most Premier Inn's, every day. Table Table What: Two kids aged under 16 eat breakfast free with every adult breakfast purchased. Kids can also get two courses for just £4.99 When: Breakfast times vary depending on hotel Travelodge hotels with an open onsite Bar Café What: Kids under 15 eat breakfast for £1 with every full paying adult. When: Breakfast times vary depending on hotel Whitbread Inns What: Two kids under 16 eat breakfast free with every adult full breakfast. Adult breakfast costs £20.99 per person. When: 6:30am until 10:30am Monday to Friday, and 7am until 11am Saturday and Sunday
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
All the places where kids eat for free of £1 in school holidays and where to get even more extras for free
WHILE the summer holidays may be all fun and games for the little ones, millions of cash-strapped Brit parents are wondering how they'll feed their hungry kids. As a growing number of households are struggling to make ends meet, a huge range of popular eateries across the UK are offering a helping hand. 3 At least 22 promotions where kids can eat free or for just £1 are available during the school breaks Credit: Morrisons 3 Whether you fancy a visit to Brewdog or some Italian, there are plenty of options Credit: Alamy 3 TGI Fridays is just one of the many spots where kids can enjoy a free meal Credit: Getty Here, Fabulous takes a look at the places where your child can enjoy a meal either for a quid - or totally free of charge - as rounded up by At least 22 promotions where kids can eat free or for just £1 are available during the school breaks. This list is not extensive, and there could be more deals if you look elsewhere. The best in-store cafe cheap eats ASDA Cafes What : Kids eat for 60p (kids hot meal deal or cold pick and mix selection) with no adult minimum spend. When : All day, every day, for the month of May (usually kids eat for £1) read more on parenting Dobbies Garden Centres What : Kids eat free (free children's breakfast with any adult traditional or full breakfast or a free child's hot meal or pick n mix lunch box) with an adult main meal, £1 supplement applies to kid's Sunday roast at selected restaurants. When : Daily, breakfast until 11:30am and then 12pm-3pm. Morrisons Cafes What : One free kids meal with one adult's meal costing £5 or more, including The Breakfasts, The Classics or The Chippy excluding extras. When : All day, every day. Sainsbury's Cafes What : One kid eats for £1 (children's hot main meal or lunch bag) with an adult hot main meal from £5.20. When : From 11.30am until cafe closes every day. Restaurant chains and pubs Angus Steakhouse What : One child aged 8 and under eats free per full-paying adult with a main course from the a la carte menu. When : Every day, 12-5pm (except Saturdays in Bond Street and Oxford Street branches). Most read in Fabulous Bella Italia What : Kids can enjoy three delicious courses and a drink for free or £1. When : On Thursdays, one kid (2-11 years old) eats free all day with every adult meal; on Sundays to Wednesdays, one kid eats for £1 with every adult meal. Bills What : Up to two kids aged 10 and under can eat free per one adult main dish (breakfast, lunch, or dinner - excludes set menu). When : All day from Monday 26th - Friday 30th May (excluding Saturdays and Sundays). Four children in every British classroom are living in hygiene poverty Brewdog What : Pre-book and one child can eat free from the kids menu when an adult is eating too. When : In Scotland, from Saturday 3rd May - Monday 5th May 2025, and from Saturday 24th May - Monday 26th May. In England and Wales, from Saturday 3rd May - Monday 5th May 2025, and from Satuday 24th May - Sunday 1st June 2025. Burger King Where : selected sites, not valid at motorway service locations, What : One child can get a free King Jr. Meal per qualifying adult burger meal when ordered via the When : 26th May to 1st June 2025 The Coconut Tree What : One child (10 and under) eats free per one paying adult. When : Sunday 25th May to Sunday 1st June Franco Manca What : One kid (aged 12 years and under) gets a free individual kids pizza for every full-priced adult main meal. When : Monday to Thursday. Farmhouse Inns What : Up to two kids get a free small main and scoop of ice cream when you buy an adult main. Sign up to their newsletter by 14th May to claim your voucher. When : 23rd - 30th May 2025. Gordon Ramsay Restaurants What : One child (aged 10 and under) gets a main course free from the Ramsay Kids Menu for each adult ordering two courses from the A la Carte (one course must be a main). When and where : Selected UK restaurants only. All day, every day at selected restaurants (e.g. Bread Street Kitchen Liverpool, Pizza East). Every week day at selected restaurants (e.g. Bread Street Kitchen City, Heddon Street Kitchen). Heathrow Airport What : One free kids meal for children under 12 (from the children's menu) with each adult main course costing over £14.95 (maximum of four free children's meals per table) at participating restaurants, such as Big Smoke, Leon, Giraffe, Gordon Ramsay Plane Food, The Commission and more When : 26th May - 2nd April. Hungry Horse What : Two children can eat selected kids' mains for £1 (larger meals for £1.50) per full-paying adult (excludes starters, sharers and the lunch section of the adult menu). When : From 12pm on Mondays. Secrets of a school headteacher By the I STARTED working in schools in 1996, when parents respected teachers and left us alone to do our jobs. Not any more. Nowadays parents think nothing of barging into schools to read teachers the riot act if their precious child has been told off, or they'll send angry emails in the middle of the night. Warning — it doesn't make you popular. I've worked in all manner of schools across the south west of England, from They're braced for tears and tantrums, not just from their pupils but from their parents too. Believe me, if you are an annoying parent it will spread round the staff room like wildfire. So whether it's your kid's first day at a new school, or they're moving up a year, these are the things you do that drive teachers crazy . . . Parents often turn up at the school gates complaining how frazzled they are, moaning that teachers must have had a nice long holiday while their Nothing could be further from the truth. For the first two weeks I'll almost certainly have been struck down by a lurgy which always seems to strike on the first day of the holiday. The next two weeks might have been an actual holiday, just like the average Brit takes in the summer, followed by two weeks of frantic lesson planning and administration. Also, consider that I've probably been working over 50 hours per week during term time. Contrary to popular opinion, we don't clock off at 3pm. Instead, we're roped into all manner of We won't be happy. Las Iguanas Where : selected restaurants only What : One kid (up to 12 years old) gets a free meal from the Niños menu when an adult orders a main course from the a la carte menu, when you download the app and join My Iguanas. Maximum one app perk can be redeemed per table. When : Every day (lunch menu is not included). OK Diners What : One child under 10 eats free (from the children's menu) when an adult purchases a main course from a la carte menu (at all OK Diners except those on the A1) When : All day, every day Pizza Hut What : One child under 12 eats free (from the pizza buffet) available between May 23 and June 2, when you spend £10 on other food with the code KEF When : Everyday until 3pm Preto What : One child up to 10 years old eats free per full-paying adult (once you've filled in your details on the website and downloaded the voucher) When : All weekend, and every weekday from 4pm Purezza What : One kid under 10 eats free (mini pizza with one topping) per adult When : Every day Sizzling Pubs What : One kids main meal for £1 per adult main meal (excludes breakfast) When : From 3pm-7pm, Mondays to Fridays (from 12pm during school holidays). TGI Fridays What : One free kids meal (excluding dessert) for 12 year olds and under per full-price adult's main, for Stripes Rewards customers. When : All day, every day (excluding bank holidays). The Real Greek What : One free kid's meal (from the kids menu) for every £15 adult spend, for children under 12 When : Sundays Breakfast freebies for kids Beefeater What : Two kids under 16 eat breakfast free for every adult unlimited breakfast costing £10.99 When : Until 10.30am weekdays and 11am weekends Brewers Fayre What : Two kids under 16 eat free with every adult breakfast, plus you can get a 3 course kids menu for just £6.49 When : Premier Inn What : Up to two kids under 16 eat breakfast free with an adult's full When: Breakfast is available at most Premier Inn's, every day. Table Table What : Two kids aged under 16 eat breakfast free with every adult breakfast purchased. Kids can also get two courses for just £4.99 When : Breakfast times vary depending on hotel Travelodge hotels with an open onsite Bar Café What : Kids under 15 eat breakfast for £1 with every full paying adult. When : Breakfast times vary depending on hotel Whitbread Inns What : Two kids under 16 eat breakfast free with every adult full breakfast. Adult breakfast costs £20.99 per person. When : 6:30am until 10:30am Monday to Friday, and 7am until 11am Saturday and Sunday
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Sunday Times Rich List sparks fresh calls for wealth tax
The list revealed Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo, who is wife of Brewdog CEO James Watt, to be the richest person in Scotland under the age of 40 with a fortune of £425 million. The richest person in Scotland overall is Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, the CEO of international retail clothing chain Bestseller and the largest shareholder in ASOS. He is said to have seen an increase in wealth of £974m, bringing his net worth to £7.704 billion. Green MSP Ross Greer has said it is now clearer than ever a wealth tax must be introduced. READ MORE: How far down the far-right drain will Anas Sarwar follow his UK boss? According to research from the Tax Justice Network, a 1% annual wealth tax on net assets over £10 million could raise almost £10 billion a year while only impacting the richest 0.4% of the population. Greer (below) said: 'Over the last year Labour have used claims about the lack of money to justify cuts to pensioners' Winter Fuel Payment and essential support for disabled people. 'This Rich List shows this claim of a lack of money for what it is — a lie designed to protect the extremely wealthy from paying their fair share. 'This is wealth they couldn't spend in a hundred lifetimes, but which we could use to fund our hospitals, schools and the services needed to end the scandal of child poverty. Instead, it's spent on yachts, private jets and buying up land which should belong to communities. (Image: ALEX CRAIG) 'Future generations will look back at this absurd concentration of wealth and the displays of excess and greed that come with it, and ask why it was allowed to get so out of control. There's no better time than now to start reversing course. "That begins by taxing wealth fairly and using the money to build a fairer, greener society.' Almost all of Scotland's ten richest individuals saw their wealth increase in the past year, the Times said. READ MORE: Labour 'more unpopular with UK voters than ever before' – YouGov poll The 76-page special edition of The Sunday Times Magazine reveals the largest fall in the billionaire count in the guide's 37-year history, from a peak of 177 in 2022 to 156 this year. The number of billionaires has dropped for three successive years – but this year's decline is the sharpest yet. Glenn Gordon and family, who own spirits company William Grant and Sons, came second on the Scottish list with a net worth of £6.73bn. They were followed by Ian Wood and family who have a wealth of £5.619bn, an increase of £779m. Other notable names appearing in the top ten are the Easdale brothers Sandy and James whose wealth now stands at £1.46bn. Their most prominent ventures include the bus company McGill's Buses.
Business Upturn
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Brewdog's radical business model decoded!
In the vast world of brewing, few companies have sparked as much controversy, innovation, and success as BrewDog. The Scottish craft beer brand, founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, has grown from a garage operation into a global empire. With breweries and bars spanning multiple continents, a cult-like following, and an unconventional business model, BrewDog has redefined what it means to be a modern alcohol brand. Positioned at the crossroads of capitalism and counterculture, BrewDog is as famous for its provocative marketing as it is for its flagship beers like Punk IPA. The company has made headlines not just for its beverages but also for its defiance of industry norms, equity crowdfunding schemes, rapid international expansion, and commitment to sustainability. This in-depth feature explores BrewDog's unique business model, dissecting the elements that have fueled its meteoric rise, and assessing the challenges and controversies that accompany such an aggressive approach to growth. The Origins of BrewDog: A Rebellion Begins BrewDog was born out of frustration. In 2007, Watt and Dickie, both in their mid-20s, saw a beer industry dominated by bland, mass-produced lagers and few options for bold, flavorful alternatives. They set out to change this by launching their own brand in Fraserburgh, Scotland, with a clear mission: to make other people as passionate about great craft beer as they were. They brewed small batches, sold them at local markets, and delivered them out of the back of a van. The pair's DIY ethic resonated with a generation tired of corporate homogeneity. Early success came swiftly, and by 2008, BrewDog had secured a contract with a major UK supermarket, launching their brand into the national consciousness. Brewdog's Punk Ethos From the start, BrewDog branded itself as the 'punk' of the beer world. Its marketing campaigns were deliberately confrontational, positioning the company as anti-establishment and anti-mainstream. Whether it was brewing the world's strongest beer or packaging a beer in a taxidermy squirrel, BrewDog embraced shock value as a strategic lever. This rebellious branding wasn't just aesthetic; it informed every layer of BrewDog's operations, from product development to shareholder engagement. The founders understood that in a crowded market, brand identity could be as critical as taste. The Birth of Equity for Punks with Brewdog One of BrewDog's most groundbreaking business innovations was its crowdfunding initiative called 'Equity for Punks.' Launched in 2009, it allowed everyday consumers to invest in the company in exchange for equity, exclusive perks, and community status. Equity for Punks was more than a capital-raising tool; it was a social movement. Over multiple rounds, BrewDog raised tens of millions of pounds through this platform. As of the most recent round, the company has over 200,000 investors across the world. These investors are not just shareholders; they are brand ambassadors, pub patrons, and loyal customers. This community-based funding model offered two key advantages: it sidestepped traditional venture capital, allowing the founders to maintain control, and it created an army of advocates personally invested in the company's success. Brewdog's Democratizing Capital or Marketing Gimmick? Critics have argued that Equity for Punks is more about marketing than meaningful shareholder engagement. Investors receive limited voting power and are not entitled to dividends. However, they do get discounts, exclusive product access, and invitations to shareholder events like the annual AGM, which resembles a rock festival more than a corporate meeting. Whether or not Equity for Punks offers financial value, it unquestionably builds brand loyalty. The initiative aligns with BrewDog's ethos of transparency and community, positioning the company as a brand built by the people, for the people. Brewdog's Brewing Without Borders BrewDog's business model hinges on rapid global expansion. From their original Scottish base, the company now operates breweries in the U.S., Germany, and Australia, with new facilities under development in Asia and other parts of Europe. This international footprint ensures localized supply chains, faster distribution, and lower environmental impact. Bars are a core part of BrewDog's strategy. The company operates dozens of bars globally, often in prime urban locations, and has also opened hotels, including the DogHouse Hotel in Columbus, Ohio, which features beer taps in the rooms. These physical spaces allow BrewDog to control the customer experience, offer immersive branding, and showcase new products. Vertical Integration as Strategy for Brewdog Unlike traditional brewers that rely on third-party distributors, BrewDog has pursued vertical integration. It controls production, distribution, retail, and marketing. This allows for greater quality control, higher margins, and agility in responding to market trends. This model also minimizes dependence on external players, insulating BrewDog from supply chain disruptions that have plagued many alcohol brands. It further enhances the brand's punk ethos by keeping operations in-house and under their rule-breaking banner. Brewdog: Spirits, Seltzers, and More While beer remains BrewDog's core product, the company has diversified aggressively. BrewDog Distilling Co. produces gin, vodka, and rum. The company has entered the hard seltzer space with 'Clean & Press' and experimented with alcohol-free beers through its AF (alcohol-free) range. BrewDog's ventures into food and hospitality also reflect its diversification. From bar menus curated with gourmet flair to collaborations with celebrity chefs, the company aims to offer a full-spectrum lifestyle brand for those who embrace the BrewDog ethos. Brewdog's Collaborations and Limited Editions Another element of BrewDog's innovation strategy is limited-edition brews and high-profile collaborations. These include partnerships with brands like Tony's Chocolonely and record labels, as well as concept beers created in response to political or cultural events. These stunts keep the brand in the public eye and ensure that BrewDog is always a part of the cultural conversation. Limited releases also drive demand through scarcity, fueling hype and urgency among consumers. Brewdog's Controversies and Corporate Criticism No story of BrewDog would be complete without acknowledging its controversies. In recent years, the company has faced serious criticism regarding its workplace culture. Former employees have accused the company of fostering a toxic environment driven by fear and burnout. In 2021, a group of ex-staff published an open letter detailing these grievances, leading to public backlash and internal restructuring. James Watt issued apologies and promised reforms, but questions linger about the sincerity and effectiveness of these efforts. Brewdog's Greenwashing and Ethics BrewDog markets itself as a sustainability leader, claiming to be the world's first carbon-negative brewery. It has undertaken tree-planting initiatives and published detailed sustainability reports. However, skeptics have questioned the veracity of these claims, accusing the company of greenwashing. The tension between BrewDog's anti-establishment rhetoric and its status as a multinational corporation is increasingly scrutinized. Consumers and watchdogs are calling for more transparency and accountability as the company grows. Brewdog's Digital Strategy and E-Commerce BrewDog's business model is heavily supported by digital innovation. Its website is a central hub for e-commerce, investor relations, and brand storytelling. The company runs digital campaigns that are data-driven, often personalized, and designed to foster ongoing engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BrewDog pivoted quickly to online sales, home delivery, and virtual bar experiences. This adaptability demonstrated the brand's agility and its ability to turn crisis into opportunity. The BrewDog app provides members with real-time access to their investments, bar menus, and special promotions. The gamification of loyalty points and social sharing mechanisms further encourage repeat engagement. As digital-native generations become a larger share of the alcohol market, BrewDog's tech-forward approach positions it well for the future. The Future of BrewDog: IPO, Expansion, and Evolution After years of speculation, BrewDog announced plans to go public. An IPO would mark a significant transformation, requiring greater regulatory compliance and potentially altering the company's punk persona. Investors are watching closely to see how BrewDog balances its irreverent branding with the expectations of public markets. The IPO also raises questions about the role of Equity for Punks shareholders. Will they see a return on their investment? Will they retain influence? These are pressing concerns that could redefine the company's community-driven identity. Brewdog's Navigating a Competitive Market The craft beer space has become saturated, with thousands of small breweries competing for attention. Meanwhile, large multinational corporations continue to acquire successful craft brands. BrewDog must maintain its edge by continuously innovating, expanding intelligently, and staying true to its brand. Global expansion, while lucrative, comes with risks—cultural missteps, regulatory hurdles, and logistical challenges can erode margins and damage reputation. BrewDog's ability to navigate these waters will be crucial in determining its long-term viability. Brewdog: A Business Built on Boldness BrewDog's business model is as complex and provocative as its founders. It fuses grassroots community engagement with aggressive global ambition, pioneering crowdfunding with vertical integration, and irreverent marketing with a commitment to environmental consciousness. The brand's contradictions are part of its allure: it is both punk and polished, rebellious and corporatized, local and global. As BrewDog prepares for its next chapter—potentially as a public company—it must reconcile these dualities without losing the spirit that made it a phenomenon. Its success will depend on whether it can evolve while preserving authenticity, grow without alienating its base, and lead an industry it once set out to disrupt. For now, BrewDog remains a testament to what happens when vision, controversy, and community collide in the world of craft beer. Whether as a case study in innovation or a cautionary tale of ambition, it is a business story worth watching—and savoring. (Consumption of liquor is injurious to health and Business Upturn does not promote or advertise the featured brand(s) or suggest ingesting liquor through this article. Business Upturn does not guarantee the accuracy of information in this article)
