Author: admin

By Lee — Brewer, Diplomat Brewing · Beer for Thought

The announcement that Carlsberg Britvic is proposing to close Marston’s Brewery in Burton upon Trent in summer 2027 is, on the face of it, another bleak story for British brewing.

Around 310 brewery and logistics jobs are affected by the proposal. Carlsberg Britvic says UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, and the company plans to retain some priority ale brands while seeking new homes for others.

There is no clever way of dressing that up. A brewery closing means people losing jobs, a town losing part of its industrial life and a historic brewing site potentially falling silent. But it also raises a question I keep coming back to. When a brewery dies, does its brewing tradition die with it? Or does it scatter?

Join the discussion ↓ · More Beer for Thought

Continue reading “When a Brewery Dies, Does Its Brewing Tradition Die — or Does It Scatter?”

By Lee — Brewer, Diplomat Brewing · Beer for Thought

I was speaking to a bar manager, who is also a customer of the brewery, about how the relationship between brewers and pubs has changed during her time in the trade.

When she started, she said, you made your order and the beer turned up. Now it is often much more personal. You know the brewer by name. They might be the person who delivers the beer, and there is time for a proper conversation about how it is going.

That struck a chord with me, because it is a relationship I value and want to hold on to as Diplomat grows.

Join the discussion ↓

Continue reading “The brewer, the publican and the pint”