From CAMRA.org.uk
CAMRA shocked following announcement that 425 years of Young's London brewing heritage to be lost - 23/05/06
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is disappointed by the announcement today (May 23nd) that Young's will close the Ram Brewery in central Wandsworth and move production to Bedford by October 2006.
Young's has set up a joint venture with Charles Wells Brewery to brew its beers at the Eagle Brewery in Bedford, and despite assurances that the two companies will continue to operate their respective pub estates independently CAMRA is very concerned over the possible implications of the move.
However CAMRA takes some reassurance from the fact that Young's will remain a vertically integrated company.
CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner said: “We have known for some time that Young's could not continue at its present site, but we held out hope that efforts to find a suitable local alternative would bear fruit and not spell the death of more than four centuries of brewing tradition in Wandsworth.
“CAMRA wants assurances that every one of the beer brands produced by both Young's and Charles Wells will have a secure future, and that the identity of Young's 208-strong pub estate and Charles Wells' 248 pubs will be safeguarded.
“We would also urge Young's to be upfront about where its beers are brewed and not try to pass itself off as a London brewery. It is a tremendous loss for London drinkers and a great shame that there is only one substantial real ale brewer left in the nation's capital in the form of Fuller's.â€
CAMRA's London Regional Director Steve Williams said: "I am greatly disappointed that London and Wandsworth will be losing their flagship brewery. Another great brewery that has produced fine beers for hundreds of years is lost in the name of progress.
“However, looking forward, I am hopeful that the Young's beers out of Bedford will prove to be as tasty and first rate as those that have quenched the thirst of London's beer drinkers for many years."
ENDS
