A drinks firm has announced the closure of its brewery in Sussex because it operates “significantly below capacity”.

Asahi will close Dark Star Brewery in Partridge Green and move the brand to London.

The Japanese beer giant said it had not made the decision “lightly” but that it was the right one in the current financial climate.

It will cease trading at the Star Road Industrial Estate site as of December 31 this year.

Asahi bought the brewery from brewing company Fullers in 2019 as part of a nine-figure deal.

A company spokesman said the Dark Star beers will remain the same and that staff are being supported.

“We remain committed to the Dark Star brand and its brilliant range of beers,” they said.

“As part of the proposal, Dark Star will move to a new home at our Meantime brewery in Greenwich.

“The Dark Star beers will remain exactly as they are today - brewed to the same recipe, quality, and taste expected by everyone who loves them.

“We share the passion for these beers, and it’s our priority to uphold this as well as supporting ongoing innovation on the brand.

The Argus: Inside the brewery in 2019Inside the brewery in 2019 (Image: The Argus)

“We haven’t taken this step at all lightly but we’re confident this is the right thing to do, supporting our long-term plans and the potential for Dark Star.

“Like many we’re having to address our operational efficiency against the backdrop of unprecedented external challenges.

“The Dark Star site operates significantly below capacity which is not sustainable in the current environment.

“Our absolute focus is on supporting our impacted colleagues through this process.”

Dark Star Brewery was started in 1994 in the basement of a Brighton pub.

It later moved out of its Brighton cellar to the Partridge Green site in Horsham after increasing demand for its beers.