Welsh craft brewery which began in a kitchen ceases trading after six years in business

A popular craft brewery has closed down production after six years in business.

Mad Dog Brewing Co., based in Penperlleni near Pontypool, ceased trading on February 21 and an insolvency firm has been instructed to help place the company into voluntary liquidation.

The craft brewery began in the kitchen of founder Alex Jones' home in 2014 and grew to produce thousands of barrels of beer a year.

The 43-year-old, from Croesyceiliog, also set up an affiliated micro bar called The Dog House, based in Caerleon, which has become a popular craft pub.

Alex said The Dog House is trading as usual with the expectation it will remain open but talks are ongoing.

The Dog House, Caerleon, will remain open (Dog House/Facebook)

"It's a personal decision as well as a business decision," Alex said.

"I have learned a hell of a lot in the last few years. I created the brewery all on my own in my kitchen.

"The experience has made me into a better person. It's one of those things, you put it down to life experience."

Alex said the three staff who were working at the brewery have already found new jobs.

He hopes to find himself another role in the food and drink industry.

Mad Dog head brewer Stuart Watkins and business owner Alex Jones filling a barrell (Mad Dog Brewing Co.)

The announcement of the closure was made on Facebook and Twitter on Monday.

A social media post from the company read: "Over the past 6 years Mad Dog has produced some amazing beers with all of these being vegan and most recently our core range being gluten free.

"As many of you know, the brewery was first founded in a small residential kitchen and quickly grew to the brewery it is today.

"We have been too many places around the UK through tap takeovers, craft beer events as well as holding many functions within our own brewery.

"These past few months have been very challenging for both business and personal to Alex, the breweries founder.

"It comes with a heavy heart that the decision has been made to close the brewery. The brewery ceased to trade as of close of business on 21st February 2020.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported us and drunk our beers over the past 6 years."

The company said insolvency firm Leonard Curtis had been instructed to assist with taking steps to place the company into voluntary insolvency.