It has been revealed that Jennings Brewery is set to close next month.
Owners Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company said the brewery had operated at below capacity for a number of years and seen a ‘significant’ decline in volumes, which was also impacted by the pandemic.
The firm said it was exploring options for the site, including selling it and the logistics side of the firm will continue to operate.
Following the closure of the brewery, Jennings Cumberland Cask ale and bottled beer brands will be produced at Marston’s Brewery in Burton.
Paul Davies, CEO of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Sad day for Cockermouth
Andrew Marshall, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said: “This is a sad day for the loyal Jennings team, a sad day for an iconic business, and a sad day for Cockermouth.
“Jennings has been part of the fabric of this area for nearly 200 years. Much has always been made of how the water to make the beer was drawn from the brewery’s own well and the taste is unique. The tower which sits above the brewery site is a Cockermouth landmark. Even devastating floods couldn’t stop Jennings beer being made.
“Jennings Brewery has always been a draw for visitors too. We were unhappy when the tours and shop were closed and feared that could be the beginning of the end and now those fears are realised. How many towns in the UK can boast their own brewery and say that their pubs serve pints brewed within sight of the place where it is made?
“So much will be lost with the closure of this business – not least the jobs of the people who work there and we feel for all of them.”
Jennings was established in 1828 in Lorton and moved into Cockermouth in 1874. In 1881, control was divided with John Jennings Junior’s three sons assuming control of the Cockermouth site. Joseph Henry Jennings (1856-1899) became head brewer, Isaac Gaitskill Jennings (1852-1916) was chairman and John Brown Jennings (1856-1896) was vice chairman.
In 2005, Jennings was acquired by Marston’s. At the time, the company said it planned to further invest in the brewery. In January this year, Marston’s announced that it was permanently closing its shop and brewery tours at the site. It had been closed to visitors since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
