Beavertown brewery announced this week that it has closed its Texan BBQ joint, Duke’s Brew & Que, after five years. The hip, and often crowded Haggerston spot was where the brewery founders concocted the first batches of Gamma Ray, Neck Oil, Smog Rocket, 8 Ball and Black Betty, brewing up these now well-known beers in the kitchen. Duke’s Brew & Que won a loyal following among our reporters thanks to its “Fred Flintstone-esque ribs” and “fantastic beers”.

In a blog post Beavertown stressed that there is no hidden scandal or drama behind the decision, which came about because the venue was no longer ‘a natural fit’ for the brewery’s future. They said: “This announcement might seem like it’s coming out of the blue, but the decision has been far from easy. It’s been a very challenging, lengthy process but the conclusion is that we close Duke’s immediately. There is no hidden scandal or drama behind the decision. Since we opened Duke’s, London’s beer and BBQ scene has changed immensely and as a business is now no longer a natural fit for Beavertown’s future.

“The ‘Beer and BBQ’ combo paved the way to putting the foundations of Beavertown in place. Duke’s shouldered the first salaries for Team Beaver which allowed us to brew a little more beer, move to Hackney Wick and eventually Tottenham Hale where we have since morphed into the brewery we are so proud of today.

“While this road has come to an end, Beavertown is full steam ahead on its journey. We are looking forward to an exciting future but will never forget the memories, the great friends and our birthplace: Duke’s Brew & Que, 33 Downham Rd, De Beauvoir Town, London.”