The owners of an award-winning microbrewery and tap room have shared their “heartbreak” after financial problems forced them to close the business.

Cellar Head Brewing Company & Tap Room of Pillory Corner, Goudhurst, has gone into administration seven years after it opened.

Company directors Julia and Christopher McKenzie announced the news on the brewery’s Facebook page saying the financial climate and increased production costs led to the business being “unviable.”

Chris wrote: “Today was a day that I thought and hoped I would never have to face - I am utterly heartbroken to see the doors to Cellar Head brewery and tap room close today after seven years.

“I would like to raise a glass (of Cellar Head obviously) to thank each and every wonderful landlord and landlady the length and breadth of Britain who bought our beer and shared it with your customers.”

He then went on to thank his suppliers for their “support and understanding” over the past couple of years, which he says presented a challenge for the business.

Another post, jointly authored by the couple, revealed administrators Evelyn Partners had been appointed after attempts to find a buyer for Cellar Head failed.

Mr and Mrs McKenzie said: “The whole team over the past seven years have ploughed heart, soul, blood, sweat and a few tears along the way, into creating amazing beers and fantastic memories.

“The past two years have been more than an uphill struggle due to the financial climate, huge increases in production costs and a stressed market which have all lead to the business being unviable.

“Over the past few weeks, we have been trying to find a buyer for Cellar Head to take it onto its next chapter, but unfortunately, even with plenty of interest, no one was found to be willing to take that risk.”

The business has now stopped trading with immediate effect.

In response, the Facebook post generated more than 700 reactions from customers and amassed nearly 300 comments as people flocked to share their sadness over the news.

One customer wrote: “Absolutely gutted at this news – you worked so hard to create not just amazing beer but a wonderful, strong, vibrant and instantly recognisable brand.”

“Devastated for you all – so much hard work and passion to build an award-winning brand and brewer of superb beer – it’s so sad all of your efforts have come to an end,” another posted.

The business had been awarded Bronze in the Regional (Southeast and London) Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) Can/Bottle Beer Awards in 2022 and was awarded Silver for the SIBA Keg Beer Awards 2023.

Mr and Mrs McKenzie signed off their post by thanking their team and supporters saying it “will always be appreciated by us.”

“Keep supporting small independent breweries as best you can, it’s tough out there, and raise a toast to the memories,” they added.