Carlsberg Britvic proposes closing Marston's Burton brewery as cask volumes fall

Carlsberg Britvic has proposed closing Marston's Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, The Morning Advertiser reports. Under the plan, the brewery and its main on-site logistics operation would close in summer 2027.

What stays and what moves - Key ale brands including Hobgoblin, McEwan's and Brooklyn would stay with the company - Other cask and regional ale brands would be offered to specialist or local owners - Brewing and primary logistics would keep running through a consultation and transition period

CEO Paul Davies said UK cask ale volumes have more than halved in less than a decade, and that the portfolio needs to follow where demand is growing. The proposal comes two years after a plan to put more than £6m into Burton as a national centre for craft and traditional ale, and after earlier closures at Jennings, Wychwood, Ringwood and Banks's.

What it means for operators: expect supply talks if you list Marston's regionals, and brief cellar and bar teams early. Guests will notice if a familiar cask line disappears; having a replacement ready, and a plain explanation for regulars, matters more than the corporate wording.