The new owners of Ashford's Curious Brewery have vowed to 'build the business' after the takeover from Chapel Down was completed.

The Tenterden-based winemaker announced it had ditched its Curious beer and cider range in February - less than two years after it unveiled a multi-million brewery and visitor centre devoted to it close to Ashford International Station.

It blamed the impact of the lockdown which had hit its trade to pubs hard.

Buyers of the brand was the private equity firm Risk Capital Partners (RCP) - led by entrepreneur Luke Johnson.

Now it has appointed a team to lead the business forward - among them a number of senior figures in the drinks trade.

Pub and brewing veteran Mark Crowther and former UK head of Budweiser Budvar Simon George join the business as chairman and managing director, respectively.

Luke Johnson said: "We are delighted to be working with Mark and Simon, who together bring an enormous wealth of experience and expertise, adding immense value to this business. I couldn’t think of two better people to help unleash the potential for Curious Brewery, and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they get stuck in.”

Mr Crowther was most recently CEO at Liberation Group, and has held senior positions at Carlsberg, Brakes, and Diageo. He is currently non-executive chairman at Portobello Brewery.

Mr George, who will be responsible for day-to-day operations, led Budweiser Budvar in the UK for seven years before stepping down in January, and previously held senior commercial roles at Magners, Coors and Constellation Brands.

Mr Crowther said: “This is a high-quality business with a great group of people, an exceptional, premium range of superb beers and ciders, and an extraordinary, market-leading set up with its state-of-the-art brewery, and accompanying tap room and restaurant.

"Now, with the support of RCP, it has one of the most experienced and supportive sector-specialist investors in the market, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with them, and to support the team as we embark on this exciting new phase.”

RCP says it plans to invest in a new bottling and canning line while increasing support to its sales and marketing teams.

The brewery, which has four core brews – an award-winning lager, a session IPA, a cider and a porter – was started in 2011 by Chapel Down.

As well as listings in many hotels, bars and restaurants, its beers are sold in some prime landmark venues including luxury department stores Harrods and Selfridges, as well as Waitrose and Majestic, and leading arts venues such as The National Portrait Gallery, Royal Festival Hall and The Royal Opera House.

Luke Johnson concluded: "We see terrific potential in the Curious business, and we’re very excited about its future, despite the challenges of the past year.

"Brewing will always be a cornerstone of British culture, and the craft beer revolution has only strengthened that. Curious is a great brand made in a fabulous facility, and with our support we believe the business can be developed further.

"The restaurant and tap rooms will be opening to welcome guests as soon as we are allowed. We are particularly pleased to be taking on all Curious employees, who bring with them a wealth of insight and knowledge.”

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