Digbeth bar announces shock closure after 'uphill battle and fight for survival'

A Digbeth bar announced its shock closure after five years and said 'your support will not be forgotten'. The cosy Custard Factory bar was proud of its roots as a mural of The Streets frontman Mike Skinner welcomed you through the door. As the UK's first self-service bar & café, what made Sean Longe and his Autobrew bar stand out in Birmingham was the chance to pour your own pints. READ MORE: Moment Birmingham restaurant staff told 'devastating' news of colleague's death If you wanted a more traditional option, the Autobrew fridge was always well-stocked with alcohol & alcohol-free beer cans to crack open.

But after five years in Digbeth, Autobrew announced its closure this afternoon (June 5) with a shock statement. Citing a number of issues which affect the industry, including VAT rates and rising costs, Autobrew said hospitality is 'a constant uphill battle and fight for survival'. On social media, Autobrew posted: "Goodbye from the Brew. We’re now able to announce the unfortunate and sudden closure of our Digbeth venue.

"We've had some tough meetings and a chance to look into the reality of where we’re heading, and to carry on trading there in this current climate simply wouldn’t have been sustainable. "We’re sorry we couldn't give you more notice, spend the Summer with you, or have a big send-off as planned. "I won’t bore you with the details, but we were facing the same things many other small businesses have been highlighting lately. "Running costs.

NI. Energy bills. VAT. Business rates etc. - All things the government would be able to step in and fix eventually if they wanted to.

"You might be hearing a lot of stories similar to ours, as a lot of other small businesses are facing the same issues. "So please, go and support them as much as you can. Hospitality is one of the hardest industries to be in right now; with rising costs, it's a constant uphill battle and fight for survival. "But to all small business owners, you are modern day warriors and don’t let anybody tell you any different.

"Thank you to all the amazing people who’ve worked with us and everyone who has joined us over the last 5 years, no matter how often. "Your support will not be forgotten. You’ve left us with some great memories and we’ve made some genuine friendships since opening our Digbeth site. "Overall, it’s been a dream come true and we’ve had an absolute blast.

And to all our friends and all the amazing traders we’ve worked with over the years - Best of luck to you all, and goodbye for now."