BrewDog's £2B crash leaves founder James Watt starting over
BrewDog, the craft beer brand co-founded by James Watt, collapsed into administration in 2023 under a mountain of debt. Once valued at £2 billion, the company was sold for just £33 million after closing dozens of bars and cutting nearly 500 jobs. Meanwhile, Watt and his wife, Georgia Toffolo, have faced personal challenges following the business turmoil. BrewDog’s rapid decline saw debts soar past £500 million before its collapse. At its height, the brand ran over 120 bars in 57 countries. But in 2023 alone, it shut 38 UK locations and laid off 484 staff. New owner Irwin Simon confirmed Watt would not return after the rescue deal.
Watt and Toffolo married in Scotland in March 2024, just months after the business crisis. Toffolo later revealed their struggles to conceive, calling the process 'lonely and crazy.' After five months of unsuccessful attempts, she admitted the stress of BrewDog’s downfall had taken a toll. The couple recently booked a last-minute getaway, with Toffolo saying they 'needed' the break. On Instagram, she shared her fertility journey, wishing more public figures had spoken openly about similar experiences.
BrewDog’s collapse marked the end of an era for Watt, who left the company he co-founded. The financial fallout and job losses reshaped the brand’s future. For Watt and Toffolo, the personal strain has led to a renewed focus on their health and relationship.
