St Austell Brewery has started brewing draught beer in preparation for the possible reopening of pubs from 4th July – based on timings indicated in the Government’s roadmap to recovery.
Production started with 440 barrels of the Brewery’s flagship pale ale, Tribute, accounting for almost half of the company’s weekly barrelage. The independent brewery supplies over 3000 free trade customers as well as its 182 managed and tenanted pubs across the South West.
As well as Tribute, St Austell Brewery says they gearing up to brew other core cask brands including Proper Job, Cornish Best, Trelawny and Hicks. Draught Gem and Prophecy is also being produced again at Bath Ales’ Hare Brewery. Keg brands being produced for both breweries include Proper Job, Korev, Mena Dhu, Cubic, Monterey and Dark Side.
Andrew Turner, managing director of St Austell Brewery’s Beer and Brands said: “I’m pleased to say that we are back in production and getting ready for the long-awaited reopening of our great British pubs – which we’re hoping the Government will confirm as soon as possible. We’re proud to be playing our part in the national effort to restock cellars with fresh beer.”
“Cask beer is an integral part of pub culture in the UK – there’s nothing quite like it. It’s been months since we’ve brewed draught beer – the longest time since 1851 – so we’re delighted to see production up and running again.”
Throughout the lockdown St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales’ entire production effort has been focused on bottling and canning core beer brands for supermarkets, sales of which have risen by 32%.
Their flagship pale ale Tribute is now also available in over 300 Marks & Spencer store across the UK for the first time. Andrew Turner added: “We’re very proud to see Tribute on Marks & Spencer shelves across the country, for the first time. Its taste credentials and consistency has made it a firm favourite with beer lovers for over twenty years and it has a loyal and growing following today.”
“We hope that existing fans of our flagship beer will be pleased to hear about the new listing, and that it will appeal to beer drinkers who are yet to discover Tribute. A true taste of Cornwall, it’s the perfect remedy for those who are missing their trips down to the West Country at this time.”
Since pub closures in March, online shop services for St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales have also seen a combined increase of over 1000% in comparison to 2019.
