RIP: Laid Bear Kombucha, Manchester, England
Five years ago I interviewed Steph the founder of Laid Bear Kombucha as part of a series on kombucha companies based in North West England where I grew up. At the time they were based in Leek, Staffordshire, and named the company after Congleton, aka “Beartown”. I was saddened to read this Instagram post yesterday where Steph and James announced their decision to close the company.
It’s a funny thing isn’t it? Time to start. Time to change. Time to say goodbye.
For us at Laid Bear it’s time.
After 6 years, 2 breweries, thousands of litres, bottles, cans and rebrands. Running around with crates, boxes and kegs of booch to incredible stockists and customers homes.
Working with wholesalers, selling on tap at festivals and markets, offering to yoga retreats and BYOB refills.
Podcasts, blogs, panels, investment rounds, insta stories, reels, linkedin posts, networking…trying to be seen and heard whilst trying to make an authentic product that tasted amazing.
A nod with multiple Great Taste Awards. Being told our kombucha is the best that people have ever had, up until last week still hearing that… the most original branding anyone has seen. We know we were good. And thank you for helping us keep going all this time by believing that too.
A lot of the time it was just me. Brewing 120 litre batches at a time, 6 days a week… 3 brews a week. Then flavouring, filtering, carbonating, bottling, then eventually canning… to packing, delivering all around Manchester and beyond whist also trying to be a content creator, keep the website updated and also be a sales manager, as without sales, the cycle doesn’t complete. But it did complete, over and over and now we are at a stage where we have decided to break the cycle to enjoy our lives a lot more.
We loved Laid Bear, and James and I believed in it so much. James especially. Never gave up, always supported me and the Bear and always pushed to grow more. Think big – always. And it’s been an incredible big journey with a lot of highs and lows.The struggle has been real. We survived Covid. Stupid energy bills that nearly broke us, a cost of living fuck up, increasing rent, increasing prices. Laid Bear is 100% founder funded. No outside investment. No debt. Please support your favourite small businesses as it’s tough out there, and too many amazing brands are closing in Manchester and beyond and I really hope that the really good ones, like the true good eggs can thrive for many years to come.
In the words of the beautiful @kobeancoffee ‘I’m devastated but delighted for you’ … we hope that everyone around us will feel the same.Too many people to thank. Too many good pictures to post. But to the people who got us here and the wonderful indies who kept us on their fridges – we love you and can’t wait to see you around town for a beer. No booch allowed!
Community response
The kombucha community and loyal customers responded in a heartfelt outpouring of support in the Comments on Instagram.
Lou from Twisted Kombucha
Ah, Steph, as we no doubt on the same journey, I know what you’re feeling. I can’t imagine the heartbreak but also the relief and that freedom you are ginna gain the onwards and ulwards journey ahead of you both. I loved our meets ups and chats ! Even considered our massive colab. How can it be is small Boucheries cannot find that way .! Wishing you & James the best, love to you both.
Naomi from Holos Kombucha
Oh my days. I’m so so sorry guys. But yes, onto the next one with power and passion I pray! Let us know if there’s anything we can do.
Legends. So sorry to hear this but also excited for your freedom and next chapter, whatever that may be.
Undoubtedly the best Kombucha EVER! So super delicious and so super cool. How amazing that you created this amazing product from scratch, so impressive and inspiring, Now onto the next chapter that I’m positive will be wonderful in every way, sending loads of love.
You are both an inspiration and should feel so proud! What a bloody achievement in 6 years! Bravo.
Booch News joins in wishing them well and thanking them for bringing kombucha to Britain!
