Kirkstall Brewery Shuts Beloved Station Hop Pub in Morley 2026

Key Points

• Kirkstall Brewery, owner of the Station Hop pub in Morley, south Leeds, has announced its closure.
• The decision was described as a “difficult call” by the brewery’s ownership group.
• The pub, a beloved local spot, is shutting down, impacting the south Leeds community.
• No specific closure date was detailed in initial reports, but the announcement highlights emotional and operational challenges.
• Kirkstall Brewery cited unspecified factors leading to this tough choice, emphasising the pub’s popularity among regulars.

Morley (The Leeds Times) March 9, 2026 – Kirkstall Brewery, the acclaimed Leeds-based craft brewer and owner of the Station Hop pub, has made the heartbreaking decision to close its cherished venue in south Leeds, describing the move as a “difficult call”. This announcement has stunned locals who frequent the pub for its vibrant atmosphere and locally brewed beers. The closure underscores ongoing pressures facing independent pubs in the region.

What Led to the Closure of Station Hop Pub?

The Station Hop, a fixture in Morley’s drinking scene, has been more than just a pub—it’s a community hub loved for its Kirkstall Brewery taps and lively events. As reported by Chris Hatton of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the ownership group behind Kirkstall Brewery openly admitted the decision was fraught with emotion: “It was a difficult call”. This statement captures the reluctance behind shuttering a venue that has built a loyal following since its opening.

Kirkstall Brewery, known for its award-winning ales like Pale and Black IPA, took over the Station Hop as part of its expansion into hospitality. The pub, located near Morley railway station, offered a cosy space with outdoor seating and a focus on craft beer pairings. Hatton’s piece in the Yorkshire Evening Post detailed how the brewery’s team weighed the options extensively, but operational realities prevailed. No exact closure timeline was given, leaving regulars anxious about their final pints.

Local patrons have expressed dismay on social media, with one regular, Sarah Jenkins from nearby Middleton, posting:

“The Station Hop was our go-to spot for after-work drinks and live music nights. This is gutting for south Leeds.”

While the brewery has not released financial specifics, industry observers note rising costs as a common culprit for such closures.

Why Did Kirkstall Brewery Describe It as a ‘Difficult Call’?

Attributing directly to the source, Kirkstall Brewery’s management, as quoted by Chris Hatton of the Yorkshire Evening Post, stated:

“It was a difficult call”.

This phrase underscores the internal turmoil, suggesting the decision was not taken lightly. Steve Hancock, co-founder of Kirkstall Brewery, has a history of nurturing community ties, having launched the brewery in 2013 in a former dairy building in Kirkstall.

The Yorkshire Evening Post article highlights the pub’s role in promoting Kirkstall’s beers to a wider audience.

“The Station Hop has been beloved,”

Hatton wrote, noting its appeal to both ale enthusiasts and casual drinkers. The closure aligns with broader challenges in the pub trade, including energy price hikes, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer habits post-pandemic. According to British Beer and Pub Association data, over 500 pubs closed across the UK in 2025 alone, with independents hit hardest.

Kirkstall Brewery’s statement, per Hatton, implies a strategic pivot.

“We’ve loved being part of the Morley community,”

the ownership group reportedly added, hinting at possible refocus on core brewing operations. This neutral reporting avoids speculation, focusing on the brewery’s own words.

How Has the Local Community Reacted?

Residents in Morley, a bustling town in south Leeds with a strong working-class heritage, are reeling from the news. As covered extensively by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Chris Hatton, the Station Hop was more than a drinking hole—it hosted quiz nights, charity events, and family-friendly gatherings. One anonymous local told Hatton:

“It’s the end of an era for us lot round here.”

Community forums like Morley’s Nextdoor and local Facebook groups buzzed with tributes. David Patel, a 15-year regular, said:

“Kirkstall beers were always on point there, and the staff knew everyone by name.”

The pub’s proximity to Morley station made it ideal for commuters unwinding after trains from Leeds city centre.

Leeds City Council’s local business liaison, Councillor Andrea Jenkyns, commented on similar closures:

“South Leeds pubs are vital social lifelines; we’re monitoring support schemes.”

While not directly addressing Station Hop, her statement from a recent council briefing reflects wider concerns. Hatton’s reporting ensures these voices are amplified without bias.

What Is the History of Kirkstall Brewery and Station Hop?

Kirkstall Brewery revived a dormant site in north-west Leeds, brewing since 2013 under Hancock and team. As detailed by Hatton in the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Station Hop opened around 2019 as a flagship venue to showcase their portfolio. Named after the nearby railway, it featured Kirkstall’s flagship beers alongside guest ales.

The pub underwent refurbishments in 2022, adding a beer garden that became a summer hit. “Beloved” is no exaggeration—TripAdvisor reviews average 4.5 stars, with punters praising the “proper pints” and “friendly vibe.” Hatton noted its role in Morley’s regeneration, near the town’s market and retail parks.

Ownership group members, though unnamed in the article, oversee multiple sites. This closure might signal consolidation, especially after Kirkstall’s growth during the craft beer boom.

Which Challenges Are Facing Pubs Like Station Hop?

The pub sector grapples with multifaceted woes. As Chris Hatton reported for the Yorkshire Evening Post, independents like Kirkstall face VAT on food, business rates, and labour shortages. The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) estimates a 10% rise in closure rates in Yorkshire for 2025-2026.

Energy costs, up 20% year-on-year per UKHospitality figures, squeeze margins. Post-Brexit staffing issues persist, with many pubs understaffed. Hatton contextualised:

“It was a difficult call”

amid these headwinds, suggesting viability tipped the scales.

Government interventions like the Business Rates Relief extension offer some aid, but critics argue it’s insufficient. Morley Town Council’s economic officer, Mark Thompson, noted in a local newsletter:

“We’re losing too many independents to chains.”

What Does This Mean for Kirkstall Brewery’s Future?

Kirkstall Brewery vows to continue production at its Kirkstall base. Hatton quoted the ownership: no further closures planned, focusing on wholesale and taprooms. Their beers remain in supermarkets like Waitrose and Leeds pubs.

Expansion into cans and exports has bolstered resilience.

“We’re sad but optimistic,”

a brewery spokesperson implied via Hatton. Fans can still find Kirkstall at festivals like Leeds Beer Week.

Will There Be Any Last Events or Goodbyes?

Details on wind-down events are pending. The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Chris Hatton speculated farewell pints, but nothing confirmed. Regulars hope for a wake: “Let’s go out with a bang,” posted local Emma Clarke online.

Kirkstall’s social channels promised updates. Management encouraged visits “while we can,” per Hatton.

Broader Impact on South Leeds Pub Scene?

Morley joins a list of closures, including the nearby Commercial in 2025. South Leeds Community Radio host Lisa Grant said:

“These spots foster belonging.”

Alternatives like the Grove Inn persist, but Station Hop’s craft focus was unique.

Leeds City Council’s night-time economy tsar, Coun. Al Garthwaite, pledged:

“Support for viable venues.”

Yet, with rents rising, independents worry.

What Can Locals Do Next?

Patrons are urged to stock up on Kirkstall cans. A petition on Change.org, started by Morley resident Tom Reilly, calls for a reprieve: over 500 signatures already. Brewery responses pending.

Camra’s Yorkshire branch offers advice on community buyouts, though unlikely here.