New owners of Curious Brewery, private equity firm Risk Capital Partners (RCP), will invest in a new canning and bottling line after acquiring the business from Chapel Down.

RCP have appointed two brewing heavyweights to oversee the operation with Simon George, former UK head of Budweiser Budvar, joining as managing direction, and Mark Crowther, former CEO of Liberation Group, becoming chairman.

“We are delighted to be working with Mark and Simon, who together bring an enormous wealth of experience and expertise, adding immense value to this business,” said Luke Johnson, co-founder of RCP.

“I couldn’t think of two better people to help unleash the potential of Curious Brewery, and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they get stuck in.”

The change in ownership from renowned wine firm Chapel Down took place following a multimillion-pound development of the new brewery in 2019.

It is located in Ashford, Kent and was constructed alongside a visitor centre and 120-cover bar-restaurant.

RCP said the deal would be followed with investment in a new canning and bottling line.

The brand was started in 2011 by Chapel Down and has four core brews – an award-winning lager, a session IPA, a cider and a porter.

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