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Top 10 oldest beer brands and breweries in the UK
The UK has a storied love affair with beer, with brewing traditions that stretch back thousands of years. From the discovery of hops in the Anglo-Saxon Graveney Boat of 900 AD to evidence of ancient ales brewed over 2,000 years ago, Britain’s brewing history is as rich as its ales.
Over the centuries, abbey monks, alewives and pioneering brewers have left their mark on the craft, and today, some of the UK’s most iconic beer brands still honour these traditions. Here, we explore the ten oldest beer brands and breweries in the UK:
Shepherd Neame, Faversham, Kent – 1698 (or 1570)

Though Shepherd Neame’s official history began in 1698 with Richard Marsh’s purchase and establishment of the brewery, records show that its roots in brewing go back to at least 1570, when John Castlock owned and operated the import and export of beer out of 18 Court Street, where brewing has continued ever since. Now Britain’s largest (and, of course, oldest) independent family brewer, Shepherd Neame is anything but old-fashioned. They own over 300 pubs and hotels in the UK and brew 225,000 barrels each year. Their diverse portfolio continues to rack up some of the industry’s most prestigious awards and accolades, including the Royal Warrant on their classic ale Spitfire.
Fuller’s, Chiswick, London – 1845 (or 1581)
Fuller’s, which is known to have begun brewing in 1845, given its immortalisation in one of their famous ales, also has a history dating back to the 1600s. It was the case of a property used for brewing being passed down and down again only to be saved by an investment from John Fuller, John Smith, and John Turner; hence how Fuller, Smith & Turner came to fruition. This investment in 1845 skyrocketed the brewer into notoriety, with Chiswick Bitter arriving in 1930 and eventually London Pride taking centre stage and maintaining that position into the present day.
Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire – 1642
In Shropshire sits a miniature Victorian tower turned brewery delivering ales which capture the essence of English brewing in a “living museum”. The yeast used is a one-of-a-kind strain which has been developing for over 125 years and has resulted in an award-winning ale with heritage at its heart.
Samuel Smith Old Brewery, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire – 1758
Samuel Smith Old Brewery in Tadcaster has been using stone Yorkshire squares made of solid blocks of slate to ferment nearly all its ales and stouts alongside the same yeast strain which has been used since the 1800s. They do so in a brewery established in 1758. The historic and traditional process results in a full-bodied and rich-tasting beer, true to the taste it may have had 100s of years ago. The only difference is that the brewery now has a network of small, local pubs operating from Edinburgh to Cardiff and Carlisle to London. A truly independent establishment, the pubs are only stocked with Samuel Smith beers, with hand-painted signs and no TVs or radios. For local deliveries, the town relies on the Shire horses five days a week. Samuel Smith, unlike many remaining breweries, welcomes the old-fashionedness at every level, from production to consumption.
Bass Brewery – 1777
Founded by William Bass in Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire, Bass Brewery was once home to the best-selling beer in the UK. A century later, it was generating an annual output of one million barrels a year, making it the biggest brewer in the world at the time. The brand was distributed throughout The British Empire and the company’s red triangle logo became the UK’s first registered trademark. Today, Bass is brewed in Burton by pub and hotel operator Marston’s and at AB-InBev’s brewery in Samlesbury for export.
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Harvey’s Brewery – 1790
Arguably the UK’s best-loved bitter since the early 19th century, Harvey’s Best is still poured in pubs across the country, especially in south-east England close to the brand’s headquarters in Lewes, Sussex. In 2016, Harvey’s finally made a move into the canned beer market, which included the company’s flagship Best Bitter. Harvey’s is still an independently owned family business that counts the seventh generation of John Harvey’s descendants among its board of directors.
Young’s, London – 1831

In 1831, Charles Allen Young hit the ground running with the purchase of a brewery and 82 pubs in London. Since then, Young’s Brewery has been an independent family business with over 288 establishments across the UK. Despite their growing monopoly in the pub industry, their intentionality shines in their unique pub signs, each carefully designed to showcase the pub’s significance. Like The Beaufort, located 200 yards from the RAF museum and named after the type 152 Beaufort aircraft.
Hook Norton, Hook Norton, Banbury – 1856
Another one of only 32 family-owned breweries is Hook Norton. Now owning 36 pubs serving local communities and operating out of a Victorian Tower Brewery, Hook Norton continues to churn out award-winning beers representing the Cotswold Hills. Try Lock Steady, a season cask ale brewed each month.
Timothy Taylor’s – 1858
Founded by Timothy Taylor in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and moved to its current Knowle Spring site in 1863, this family-owned brewery is renowned for its award-winning beers. Its flagship ale, Landlord, accounts for 80% of production, has won the Champion Beer of Britain four times, and gained global fame after Madonna named it her favourite beer in 2003.
Adnams, Southwold – 1872

Beer has been brewed in the same spot in Southwold since at least 1345; today, it is the home of Adnams Brewery. It wasn’t until 1872, when George and Ernest Adnams purchased the Sole Bay Brewery from William Crisp, that it fell into Adnam’s family hands, and it has remained in the family ever since. In 1880, Tally Ho was first brewed and is still brewed today, showcasing the wealth of historic recipes still brewed by Adnams. In their modernity, they have committed to sustainability, having won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development three times since 2005 and brewing the UK’s first carbon-neutral beer, East Green. Between that and their gin (Copper House) and vodka (Longshore) having won “world’s best” titles, Adnams continues to grow since their 19th-century founding and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
So, the next time you savour any of the aforementioned brewers, remember you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re partaking in a tradition steeped in centuries of passion and craftsmanship. Cheers!
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