On a recent Sunday afternoon, patrons and staff gathered in the San Fernando Valley for a farewell party for a cherished establishment.
MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., a beloved Van Nuys brewery famous for its classic British cask ales and homemade pizzas, announced its closure effective September 27. This decision marks yet another loss within the challenging landscape for small businesses in Los Angeles.
Founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife team Alastair and Jennifer Boase, MacLeod’s held the distinction of being one of the valley’s original craft breweries.
“We weren’t deterred by the rough location,” co-founder Alastair Boase told local reporters. “We thought, ‘Van Nuys could really use something like this.’”
The brewery stood out by fully embracing “real ale,” using imported English grains and serving naturally carbonated, cask-conditioned beer.
For over a decade, MacLeod’s attracted a steady flow of young Los Angeles locals to a gritty stretch of Calvert Street, which was primarily known for auto body shops.
“It’s unfortunate we’re closing, especially when bigger companies like Budweiser manage to thrive,” Boase said, referencing Anheuser-Busch’s nearby brewery.
The brewery aimed to create a sense of community in various ways.
“We were like a small community center. We had darts, cornhole, giant Jenga, and fun board game nights,” Boase shared.
“We hosted birthday parties, retirement celebrations, you name it. And then, about four years in, we expanded to include a pizza kitchen and became quite popular for that too,” he added.
MacLeod’s closure reflects a trend among independent breweries facing challenges due to a drop in demand and rising expenses, pressures that are prevalent not just locally, but across the U.S. as well.
In fact, the Brewer’s Association reported that 481 craft breweries shut down across the country in 2025, while only 300 new ones opened.
The craft beer industry gained popularity in the 2010s, but as consumer tastes shift, many are now drinking less alcohol overall, leaving restaurants and breweries in California struggling with increasing labor, rent, utility, insurance, and supply costs.
“We adapted as much as possible, but it took a lot of energy, money, and commitment to keep it afloat,” Boase noted. “The odds were really against us.”
MacLeod’s closing comes at a time when many restaurants and bars in Los Angeles are facing similar fates, burdened by soaring commercial rent and inflation.
The brewery’s financial difficulties weren’t a secret; even in 2014, the owners recognized the tough economics of running a small brewery. Previous threats of closure made the recent announcement somewhat expected for longtime patrons.
Last Sunday, Boase and his team gathered with their most devoted customers for a poignant sendoff, celebrating a local institution that brought people together in the neighborhood.
Regular visitor Grant Paulis has been at MacLeod’s since it opened, making it a point to drink there every day during its first month.
“There was nothing that came close to a local brewery around here,” Paulis reflected. “We were there on opening day, and it felt like Beatlemania; the lines were around the block.”
Paulis, along with his brother, has collected every piece of merchandise MacLeod has produced, demonstrating his deep admiration for the place.
“I always dreamed of sharing my first beer with my son here, but now that won’t happen,” he added, referencing his four-year-old son, who has been visiting the brewery since he could walk.
Rhiannon Godinez, who lived in Van Nuys for five years, expressed how she often recommended MacLeod’s for celebrations, saying it was her go-to brewery.
Carolina, another regular, discovered MacLeod’s on a walk, captivated by the welcoming vibe amidst its industrial surroundings.
“There were musicians playing, and it felt cozy and inviting, so we started coming here frequently,” she shared.
Another regular appreciated the down-to-earth atmosphere of MacLeod’s, highlighting that it felt more authentic compared to other local spots, which sometimes come off as pretentious.
“We celebrated our kids’ soccer wins here and even had birthday parties,” they reminisced, noting the unique mix of adults enjoying beers while kids indulged in cake.
The closure was announced through an emotional social media message, revealing that running the brewery had become unsustainable in the current economic environment.
“We had big dreams when we started in 2014 and worked hard to realize them, but now we must face the reality that our family business is no longer feasible,” the post stated.
While they have already closed the pizza kitchen, staff pledged to continue serving until the final day, encouraging customers to enjoy their favorite beers before the taps run dry.
