This post was updated Jan. 15 at 10:01 p.m.

Westwood’s Broxton Brewery & Public House poured its final pint Dec. 27.

The brewery – which opened its doors on the corner of Broxton Avenue and Westwood Boulevard in 2018 – specialized in craft beers, innovative cocktails and comfort food, according to its website. It featured an outdoor patio where customers could enjoy food and drinks, and hosted events such as bingo and karaoke nights.

Former Westwood resident Sarah Chenault said she was disappointed by the brewery’s sudden closure, adding that she believes the business was a vibrant addition to Westwood Village.

“It just seemed like a brewery was a great idea, and then they did fun events, they had games inside, it was a really easy go-to place for any occasion,” she said. “It was just a very youthful, good vibe addition that would work for everybody in that neighborhood.”

Sean Phagan, the chief of operations of Artisanal Brewers Collective – the parent company of the Broxton – declined to comment on the sudden closure in an emailed statement. The brewery announced its closure on Instagram four days before its final day of service.

John Bird, the co-owner of Enegren Brewing Company, said the Artisanal Brewers Collective also shut down two additional breweries within the same time frame.

“All these places closing including The Broxton, Brennans and The Stalking Horse is a huge blow to the craft beer industry,” he said in an emailed statement.

Los Angeles native and filmmaker John Michael Riva Jr. said Westwood has experienced “ups and downs” over the years, including vacancies and frequent turnover of businesses. Broxton Brewery, though, injected a new sense of life into the Village, he added.

“This (Broxton Brewery) felt like a cool, communal meeting space – communal hub – that was a restaurant and a place you could eat outside,” he said. “It’s in a very beautiful historic building … so I found that closure pretty shocking.”

Riva Jr. said Broxton Brewery’s atmosphere was great for events and was located in a walkable and relaxed area of Westwood Village.

“That’s where I would go for a beer and a bite,” Riva Jr. said. “I had a screening at The Landmark three years ago, and then I had a reception after-party at the Broxton, and it was perfect.”

Jacob Lawson, the chair of the planning, housing and business committee on the North Westwood Neighborhood Council, said he was disappointed to see another vacancy in Westwood.

“More business vacancy in Westwood is not a good thing, and that’s definitely the opposite of what we want to see,” Lawson said.

The NWWNC is working to have Broxton Plaza designated as an entertainment zone to attract new tenants to the area. This designation would allow for the open carry of alcohol in Broxton Plaza – something that Lawson said would be attractive to businesses and residents alike.

“There’s a lot of opportunities, the space is in a prime location – right next to Broxton Plaza – and with those entertainment zones … coming into fruition, I think there’s a lot of opportunity.”

Despite the sudden closure, Lawson said he is optimistic that the vacancy will be filled soon.

“Because of its prime location in Westwood and its beautiful historic building, I think there is opportunity for a new, exciting tenant to take over, and I hope that happens sooner rather than later,” Lawson said.