Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits return to Wetherspoons

Wetherpoons is bringing back the ciders Strongbow and Strongbow Dark Fruits to all pub sites from this week.

The value pub chain ditched the Strongbow cider brand back in December 2021 after ending a 42-year relationship with its owner Heineken, a decision that saw Strongbow replaced with Stowford Press Apple and Stowford Press Mixed Berries.

The end of its contact with Heineken also coincided with Wetherspoons signing a deal with AB InBev’s UK subsidiary, Budweiser Brewing Group and, according to reports, resulted in Fosters, Kronenbourg 1664 and Heineken being replaced by Corona, Budweiser and Leffe Blonde.

However, last spring, Wetherspoons and AB InBev’s relationship turned sour after the companies became locked into a high court dispute over the beer that is sold from T-bar fonts at Wetherspoons pubs.

As a result of the disagreement, ABI sought a declaration that meant it could end the contract, even though it has stated that its preference is not to do so, as long as Wetherspoons carries out its work of keeping its beers on the T-bars as it alleged that its deal initially agreed.

According to reports, Wetherspoons hopes to move forwards and work with Heineken again to rollout Strongbow cider in all its bars across the UK by the end of the month.

A Wetherspoons spokesperson told reporters: “With any draught rollout installation timings will vary by pub depending on technicians who visit the pub and set up the dispense – we hope to be complete in August.”

The ciders will be available to order across all 827 Wetherspoons pubs and can be ordered via its app as well as at the bar.