Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) said it plans to close Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Cumbria, next month.
The company cited the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis as reasons for the closure of the nearly 200-year-old brewery. The production of Jennings Cumberland Cask ale and bottled beer brands will be moved to Marston’s Brewery in Burton.
“Jennings has operated below capacity for a number of years and has seen a significant decline in volumes, the impact of which has been made more significant by the pandemic. Over the course of the past year, we have carefully considered all options for the brewery and have reached the extremely difficult decision to close the brewery,” Paul Davies, CMBC chief executive, said.
“We understand the great affection the local community has for the brewery, and its place as part of the UK’s brewing heritage. We are pleased to continue brewing Cumberland Cask by moving production to the historic Marston’s Brewery in Burton, which has a fantastic track record producing traditional cask beers.”
CMBC’s logistics based at Jennings Brewery will continue to operate as normal while options for the site are explored, including potential for sale. The company added that it is providing support to colleagues throughout this period and is actively exploring opportunities for redeployment within the business.
“We’re incredibly proud of the team at Jennings Brewery, and our priority over the coming weeks will be to ensure they have the support they need as we enter a period of consultation,” Davies said.
“We understand this news will be very difficult for our team at Jennings and disappointing to many other colleagues, consumers and customers. But with the economic headwinds impacting our industry we must continue to make the difficult choices we believe are needed to ensure CMBC is well placed to navigate the unprecedented external challenges we are facing, and ensure we are able to grow and sustain our position as a leading business in the brewing industry.”
Established as a family concern back in 1828, the original Jennings brewery was located in the village of Lorton, approximately 2 miles from its current location.
In 1874, the brewery moved to the historic market town of Cockermouth, situated on the edge of the Lake District National Park. Marston’s Plc acquired the independent brewer in 2005.
Brian McLister
