News / breweries
Rapidly expanding bar group buys brewery
A brewery that is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025 has been purchased by a rapidly growing bar and music venue group.
World Famous Dive Bars already own the Mothers’ Ruin, the Crown, the Croft, the Colosseum, the Greyhound and Bliss.
Their acquisition of Good Chemistry will see them take over the St Philip’s brewery and taproom; but Good Chemistry founders Kelly Sidgwick and Bob Cary will remain the custodians of their two pubs, the Good Measure in Redland and the King’s Head on Victoria Street.
World Famous Dive Bars bosses promise to operate Good Chemistry “as a distinct brewing arm within its wider group while investing in capacity, route-to-market and local outreach to help the brewery grow”.
World Famous Dive Bars director Marc Griffiths said: “We’ve always admired what Good Chemistry has done for Bristol’s independent beer culture; great recipes, genuine community ties and an obvious care for sustainability and quality.
“Our plan is simple: keep everything that makes Good Chemistry special, and back it so it can reach more locals, pubs and beer lovers across the city and beyond.”
Good Chemistry was founded in 2015 – photo: Good Chemistry
Sidgwick said: “We’ve worked with WFDB for a number of years supplying their venues with our beer, so it’s great to see them investing in the brewing side of the industry.
“We wish them all the best with Good Chemistry and are excited to see what they will achieve as it heads into its second decade.
“Bob and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get the business to where it is today, and we hope Bristol’s venues and beer drinkers will continue to support this independent local business.”
World Famous Dive Bars reopened the Colosseum pub in Redcliffe in 2024 – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: World Famous Dive Bars
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