Conor McGregor's brewery was locked up by landlord for months over rent debt claims

"Porterhouse, the pub operator and landlord of Forged's Glasnevin-based brewery, locked the doors of the facility sometime in April after a dispute emerged over alleged unpaid rent, industry sources said. The rent dispute eased sometime in late August or early September, with Forged allowed back into the facility where brewing has since taken place, sources said. It suggested that some kind of payment or agreement was reached between the parties over the matter."

"Forged signed international distribution agreements recently, boosting growth prospects for the stout business. The Sunday Independent reported last week that Forged secured a distribution agreement for the Nordics, as well as 15 other new markets. These markets are set to open for Forged over the next six months, according to sources. McGregor first released Forged Irish Stout in 2020, exclusively at The Black Forge Inn pub, which he owns in Crumlin."

Forged is being pursued by two suppliers in the High Court over alleged unpaid debts exceeding €240,000, and a petition to wind up one related company was filed last week. Domestic demand dropped significantly after McGregor lost a civil rape case last November, prompting major distributors, pub groups and retailers to drop the brand. Troubles continued into this year, including a dispute with Porterhouse, the pub operator and landlord of Forged's Glasnevin brewery, which locked the facility doors in April over alleged unpaid rent. The rent dispute eased in late August or early September, and brewing resumed at the Glasnevin facility, suggesting a payment or agreement was reached. Forged recently signed international distribution agreements, including for the Nordics and 15 other new markets set to open over the next six months. McGregor first released Forged Irish Stout in 2020 at The Black Forge Inn after prior success selling Proper No. Twelve whiskey to Becle.

Read at Irish Independent