Greene King has sold one of Britain’s most recognisable ales to the Spanish owner of Estrella Damm — sparking fresh debate over the future of traditional British beer brands.
One of Britain’s best-known ales is heading into foreign ownership after Greene King agreed to sell the Old Speckled Hen brand to the Spanish brewer behind Estrella lager.
The deal will see Barcelona-based brewer Damm take ownership of the Old Speckled Hen range, including its classic ale, golden ale and alcohol-free versions.
While Greene King says the beer will continue to be brewed in Britain, the move has already reignited debate about how many historic British beer brands are still truly British.
A Famous British Ale Changes Hands
Old Speckled Hen has long been one of the UK’s most recognisable ales.
The beer was first brewed in 1979 by Morland Brewery in Oxfordshire to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MG Car Company moving from Oxford to Abingdon.
Its unusual name came from an old MG Featherlight Saloon car workers nicknamed the “Owld Speckl’d Un” because of its mottled paintwork.
Greene King bought the brand in 1999 when it acquired Morland Brewery, and the ale has remained a staple in pubs, supermarkets and beer aisles ever since.
Brewing Will Stay in the UK
Greene King confirmed the beer will continue to be brewed at its historic Westgate Brewery site in Bury St Edmunds during the transition period before production later moves to Damm’s brewery in Bedford.
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, said the company was pleased to have found a partner that would continue producing the beer in Britain.
The financial details of the sale have not been disclosed.
More British Beer Brands Going Overseas
The sale is just the latest example of famous British beer brands being bought by overseas companies.
Over the past decade:
- Camden Town Brewery was bought by Belgian drinks giant AB InBev
- Fuller’s brewing business was sold to Japanese brewer Asahi
- Meantime Brewing Company was taken over by SAB Miller
- Sharp’s Brewery, maker of Doom Bar, was bought by Molson Coors
Many drinkers have become increasingly concerned that traditional British brewing identity is slowly disappearing as global beer companies continue expanding.
The ‘British Beer’ Debate
The takeover also highlights growing confusion around what actually counts as a “British beer”.
Several well-known foreign beer brands sold across the UK are already brewed in Britain, including:
- San Miguel in Northampton
- Cruzcampo in Manchester
- Madrí Excepcional in Yorkshire
In fact, the boss of Estrella Damm recently criticised Madrí Excepcional, claiming the beer had “no heritage whatsoever” despite its Spanish branding.
What Happens Next?
Damm says Old Speckled Hen will continue being sold across Greene King pubs, supermarkets and the wider drinks trade.
Luke White, managing director of Damm UK, described Old Speckled Hen as “an iconic British ale brand with a rich heritage and loyal following”.
For many drinkers though, the sale represents another moment in the gradual shift of ownership away from traditional British brewing.
Conclusion
Old Speckled Hen may still be brewed in Britain, but its sale to a Spanish drinks company is likely to spark strong opinions among traditional ale fans.
As more famous beer brands move into international ownership, many pub drinkers are starting to ask the same question:
What actually makes a British beer British anymore?
