310 jobs at risk as Carlsberg announces shock closure of historic Marston’s Brewery

A brewery that has been making beer in Burton upon Trent since the 1830s is facing closure under plans drawn up by Carlsberg Britvic, putting around 310 jobs at risk.

The company, the British arm of Danish beer giant Carlsberg, said it intends to shut both the Marston’s Brewery and the logistics operation at the Staffordshire site in the summer of 2027.

John Marston established his brewery company in the town in 1834, and the business moved to its current home on Shobnall Road in 1898.

The closure plan follows a structural decline in the ale category, Carlsberg said, together with a “need to create greater long-term value” from the group.

Some ale brands will continue to be made, the company said, naming Hobgoblin, McEwan’s and Brooklyn among them.

Other cask and regional ale brands are to be put up for sale as part of the proposal.

Carlsberg did not disclose which of those brands might be sold.

The site’s place in the Carlsberg empire dates back to 2020, when Marston’s and Carlsberg announced a merger deal to create the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company.

That joint venture took in Marston’s breweries and its distribution site, but not its pubs.

Carlsberg initially held a 60% stake in the venture before buying Marston’s out completely in 2024, a move that allowed Marston’s to focus entirely on its pub business.

Paul Davies, chief executive of Carlsberg Britvic, said: “I am very aware that this news will have come as a shock for colleagues, as I recognise the impact of this proposal is significant.

“While we remain proud of the role we have played in supporting and investing in the ale category overall, the stark reality is that UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, and this trend looks set to continue across the UK.

“It is my role to ensure Carlsberg Britvic’s multi-beverage portfolio is focused where consumers are today, and where customer demand is growing.

“That said, smaller ale brands are much-loved by select consumers, and we will do everything we can to ensure they thrive under more specialist or local ownership in the future.”

He added that the brewery and its main logistics operation are expected to operate during a transition period, while it works through the consultation.