The kit of collapsed North East craft beer business Mordue Brewery is up for auction.

North Shields based Mordue Brewery ceased trading at the start of the month following failed bids to attract investment and a buyer.

The firm, known for its popular sellers Workie Ticket, Five Bridges and Radgie Gadgie amongst others, was formed 24 years ago by brothers Garry and Matt Fawson, who had hoped to find someone to take on the business after putting it up for sale earlier this year.

XL Business Solutions stepped in as administrators and the business closed with immediate effect.

Now the kit used to craft the firm’s beers has been put up for auction – with hopes that an offer may still be made which will resurrect the business.

Mordue Brewery at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate
Mordue Brewery at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate

Administrator Jeremy Bleazard said: “Having been at the forefront of brewing for close to 25 years over which time a strong, well respected and lauded brand presence has been created the recent boom in craft beer has created a crowded, highly competitive, marketplace.”

“The directors, Garry and Matt Fawson, have worked hard to sustain the business but ultimately, in its current guise, this hasn’t proved possible. I have instructed agents to sell the brewery assets by auction and to market and sell the brands/brews independently.

“If, during this period, a compelling and proceedable offer was put forward to resurrect the business as whole then my agents will react accordingly.”

Howard Eastwood, director of Walker Singleton, who are acting as agents, said: “Whilst it may prove impossible to resurrect to brewery it is hoped the brands and brews, which include many iconic and intellectually protected names - Workie Ticket, Radgie Gadgie and Northumbria Blonde to name a few, will live on.”