YORK Brewery has gone into administration.

The news was confirmed in a statement by the firm’s brand manager, Neil Arden, who said that staff at the Toft Green brewery had been told earlier this morning.

He told The Press: "We can confirm that ourselves and our parent company Mitchell's of Lancaster Ltd have gone into administration.

"For now we are still trading as a business and our administrators are hopeful of finding a buyer soon.

"The staff remain upbeat and we are still welcoming customers."

Mitchells of Lancaster also own three other pubs in York, the Yorkshire Terrier on Stonegate, The Last Drop Inn on Colliergate and the Three Legged Mare on High Petergate.

The company employs more than 55 people in the city.York Press:

Neil Arden, of York Brewery,pictured in happier times . Picture: Frank Dwyer

York Central MP, Rachael Maskell, said: "It is a great shame to hear this. 

"Local pubs have faced real hardship recently and I hope the administrator can find a buyer. 

"They are a real hub of the community and it would be a travesty to lose the Brewery and three pubs in the city."

Liam Jordan, manager the Three Legged Mare, said: "We were told earlier today and I am hopeful the company can get a buyer. 

"It's a strong brand that has been around for years. I have ran this pub for a year and a half and I have been with the company for four years so hopefully it works out or I am out of a job." 

For the time being it has been put under the management of licensed insolvency practitioner, Duffs & Phelps of Manchester, who confirmed that they were looking to help rescue the business.

York Brewery first opened in 1996, the first brewery within the city walls for 40 years. 

In 2007 it expanded to increase its output by 50 percent. Shortly after, in 2008, it was taken over by Mitchell's Hotels and Inns of Lancaster. 

The Brewery produces five core beers and in 2015 was awarded a Gold award in 'Premium Bitters and Pale Ales' at the NE Region Beer Competition.  

 More to follow.