Carlsberg to close historic Marston's Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 16:55 · Archive

Carlsberg plans to shut its Marston's Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent in summer 2027, with around 310 jobs at risk.

Carlsberg Britvic has announced plans to close its Marston's Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent in summer 2027, with around 310 workers at risk. The site has been brewing beer since 1834, when John Marston first started his brewery company, relocating to its current location on Shobnall Road in 1898.

Carlsberg said the closure is driven by structural decline in the ale category and the need to create greater long-term value from the group. Paul Davies, chief executive of Carlsberg Britvic, acknowledged the impact on colleagues, saying the company recognises the significance of the proposal. He noted that UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade and that this trend looks set to continue.

Carlsberg will continue to make certain ale brands at other locations, including Hobgoblin, McEwan's and Brooklyn. The company said it will look to sell some of its other cask and regional ale brands but did not disclose which brands might be sold.

The closure follows Carlsberg's acquisition of full ownership of the Marston's Brewing Company in 2024. In 2020, Marston's and Carlsberg had announced a merger to create the joint venture, with Carlsberg initially owning 60 per cent. The full buyout allowed Marston's to focus entirely on its pub business.

How it is being reported

• Carlsberg to shut historic Marston’s Brewery with 310 jobs at riskCarlsberg said the move is driven by structural decline in the ale category and a ‘need to create greater long-term value’.Independent Business · 8 Oct, 16:37
• Carlsberg to shut historic Marston’s Brewery with 310 jobs at riskCarlsberg said the move is driven by structural decline in the ale category and a ‘need to create greater long-term value’.Evening Standard · 8 Oct, 16:37
• Marston's brewery in Burton-upon-Trent to be shut by owner CarlsbergCarlsberg Britvic has announced it wants to close the Staffordshire site next summer, citing UK drinkers turning their backs on cask aes. Around 300 people work at the site.This is Money · 8 Oct, 15:57

In this story: Carlsberg Britvic · Marston's Brewery · Burton-upon-Trent · John Marston · Paul Davies

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