Adnams is closing five of its stores as it looks to reshape its retail estate, citing ‘sustained cost pressures’.
The Suffolk-based beer, wine and spirits business will shut branches in Hadleigh, Norwich, Frinton-on-Sea, Saffron Walden and Stamford by 1 June.
Adnams director of hospitality and retail Nick Attfield said the move followed a review of the brewer’s store portfolio.
“Following a review of Adnams’ retail estate, we have taken the difficult decision to close five stores at the end of May 2026,” he told the East Anglian Daily Times.
“This comes in the light of a period of sustained cost pressures, wider operational challenges and changes in customer shopping habits, which have affected the long-term viability of these locations.
“We recognise this will be upsetting news for colleagues and customers, and our immediate priority is to support those employees affected through a full consultation process.
“We are hugely grateful for the dedication and professionalism shown by our store teams, who have represented Adnams with pride and commitment.”
The closures come as Adnams continues to work through a challenging financial period. The brewer ended 2025 with debts of £9.2m, down from £15.3m, although revenue was £4.3m lower than in 2024.
Chief executive Jenny Hanlon said 2025 had “not delivered a result that returns the business to a sustainable footing”, adding that the company had spent “considerable time” assessing its options.
“We are in the process of closing some of our less optimal retail sites and will only look to open further sites when we are confident that we have an appropriate model that sees a route to better returns,” she said.
The Norwich store, based on Unthank Road, confirmed on Facebook that it would close for the final time on Saturday 30 May.
“We can confirm that the team here at Adnams Norwich will be closing the doors at Unthank Road for the last time on Saturday, May 30,” it said.
“Before we close the final stopper, we’d like to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, visited, or just popped in for a chat along the way.”
Founded in 1872, Adnams is best known for beers including Ghost Ship Pale Ale, as well as its wider portfolio of spirits, wines and gifts.
Its products are stocked by major UK supermarkets including Waitrose, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco, while the business also operates pubs and hotels across Suffolk.
Adnams’ remaining stores in Southwold, Woodbridge, Holkham, Holt, Aldeburgh, Harleston and Bury St Edmunds are expected to remain open.
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