Carlsberg Marston’s to discontinue several ales, including Banks’s Mild and Bombardier

Carlsberg Marston’s faces accusations of “wiping out UK brewing heritage” subsequent to its choice to discontinue several beers offered in public houses. A total of eleven beers are slated for discontinuation, encompassing well-known ales such as Banks’s Mild and Bombardier; however, certain varieties will still be accessible in alternative formats despite ceasing production in cask or keg. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) labeled the move a “sad and disappointing decision”, noting that Banks’s Mild was among the initial beers produced by the 150-year-old Wolverhampton brewery. Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) stated its continued commitment to being “passionate about cask ale and delivering a sustainable, successful future for this important part of British beer culture”. The firm indicated that its choice stemmed from a product review, leading to a reduction in production for items experiencing decreased demand. The list of impacted beers includes Banks’s Mild, Banks’s Sunbeam, Bombardier (keg), Eagle IPA, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Mansfield Dark Smooth (keg), Mansfield Original Bitter (keg), Marston’s Old Empire, Marston’s 61 Deep, Ringwood Boondoggle, and Ringwood Old Thumper. Carlsberg Marston’s confirmed that Jennings Cumberland ale, Marston’s Old Empire IPA, and Ringwood Boondoggle would persist in being sold as bottled beer. Furthermore, Banks’s Mild will remain available in keg and can formats, while Bombardier Amber Beer will be offered in cask and bottles. A spokesperson for Carlsberg Marstons declared, “We continue to invest in and launch new cask ales as well as support popular traditional cask ales ranging from Banks’s Amber Bitter to Marston’s Pedigree.” Gillian Hough, representing CAMRA, characterized the action as “another example of a globally owned business wiping out UK brewing heritage”. She commented, “I hope that this change will mean space on the bar for licensees to stock guest beers from local independent breweries, but realistically, I suspect this isn’t what CMBC plans.” Previously this year, the Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company disclosed its intention to shut down Banks’s Brewery in Wolverhampton as part of a restructuring effort. Concurrently, it also revealed “significant investments” for its Northampton and Burton breweries. Terry Cole, the proprietor of the Royal Oak, situated near the Bank’s brewery in Wolverhampton, reported that his establishment sold approximately 200 pints of Bank’s Mild weekly. However, Mr Cole expressed his conviction that there was “no going back” and that “the world has to evolve and we have to move on”. He indicated his comprehension of the company’s rationale for discontinuing its less popular ales, acknowledging that Bank’s Mild was a “regional ale” with strong popularity in the West Midlands but less so nationwide. Nonetheless, he mentioned that his patrons would experience disappointment, and locating a substitute would prove challenging. Warinder Juss, the Labour MP representing Wolverhampton West, conveyed his “concern” regarding the choice to reduce the availability of certain beers. He stated: “I’ve had a meeting with them where they assured me that they will continue to brew the Bank’s beer that we are all accustomed to.” He further remarked, “I think it is probably time to have another meeting with them.” For updates, follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.