Sharp’s Brewery, renowned for producing the popular Doom Bar ale, will be closing its doors due to financial unsustainability as announced by its US parent company, Molson Coors. This decision not only jeopardizes around 200 jobs at the brewery in Rock, Wadebridge, but also places the future of one of the UK’s bestselling cask ales in doubt. The closure, expected by the end of the year, has raised eyebrows among beer enthusiasts and supporters of independent brewing.

Founded in 1994, Sharp’s Brewery has become synonymous with Doom Bar, a cask ale recognized for its rich flavor and quality. The brand's connection to a perilous sandbank in Cornwall's Camel estuary adds to its local identity, making its potential closure a significant loss for regional brewing heritage. Alongside Doom Bar, the brewery also produces other well-known beers such as Atlantic and Twin Coast pale ales, all of which contribute to the local culture.

The chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), Tom Stainer, has criticized the move, framing it as part of a broader trend where global brewing corporations undermine the UK's cask brewing tradition. This closure highlights ongoing challenges faced by local breweries, particularly in maintaining their independence and financial viability in a competitive market where larger entities dominate. Such shifts in ownership and operations may have long-term effects on the brewing landscape in Cornwall and beyond.