Anthony Goddard – owner and founder of Goddards Brewery – has confirmed that he is selling up so that he can retire after 30 years at the helm of the popular Island business. It was last Friday (27th October) that news broke of the listing of the bespoke Branstone brewery appearing on Rightmove. The site – completed and opened in March 2023 – contains a bar and restaurant, as well as an area where the public can see brewing in action from a purpose-built mezzanine deck. According to the Rightmove listing, the business has a turnover of circa £673,000 with a gross profit of around £121,000, although these figures were taken prior to the opening of the facility. Speaking on the decision, Anthony has said:
“Moving the brewery to Arreton has realised a personal ambition. To create a new visitor attraction alongside a first-class brewing facility,” “I’m now 78 years old and probably well past my best-before date if I ever had one. But this produces a great opportunity for somebody else to pick up the baton and take it on to the next stage. There’s massive potential here.” “I hope that our customers and suppliers will understand why this is the right time for me to be retiring. The brewery is in a very good place now and I feel that I have achieved what I set out to do. “When we started the focus was on producing top-quality beers, something we’ve been doing ever since really.”
Since 1993, Goddards Brewery has grown considerably. From its original 15-barrel brewing line installed at Barnsley Farm, to now having brewed more than an estimated 12 million pints. These traditional beers include established favourites like Fuggle-Dee-Dum and Ale of Wight as well as a range of seasonal and more contemporary beers, reflecting modern trends. Originally Goddards was only produced in casks, but it is now supplied in kegs and bottles, all of which are handled in house and onsite in Branstone. Managing Director of Goddards Brewery, Bob Simpson added:
“Anthony has created a real legacy here in Arreton. He’s taken the business forward tremendously in the past five years. The market is constantly changing and we’ve been able to flex our products to meet these new demands. “I think Anthony feels comfortable that he’s done his bit and now wants to step aside.”
Offers for the premises are invited, price is available on application only.
