Young's calls time on oldest brewery site in Britain By Danielle Rossingh (Filed: 28/11/2003)
More than 400 years of brewing history could come to an end with the family-owned brewer Young & Co's considering a relocation of its famous Ram Brewery to make way for upmarket apartments and shops.
The brewery was established in Wandsworth in 1581, making it the oldest site in Britain on which wholesale beer has been brewed continuously. Its flagship brand is Young's Bitter, while other brands include Special London Ale and Ram Rod Premium Ale.
The 5.5-acre site, which lies in the heart of Wandsworth in south-west London, has withstood fires and the Blitz, but may not survive the regeneration of the 20-acre town centre.
"The Wandsworth planning department and Young & Co are in the process of putting together a potential development plan for Wandsworth town centre, including the brewery site," said a company spokesman. The brewer said the decision for a review was driven by the company's "regular review of its assets and the investment requirements of its business".
The spokesman emphasised talks were still "in the very early stages", saying a final decision on a possible relocation of the brewery site will not be made until "at least" 2005.
John Young, the 82-year-old chairman of the company, stressed the Ram Brewery should be relocated within the Wandsworth borough. "Brewing is an important part of Young's business, as is our role and position within the local community.
"We are not short-term property speculators - we are looking to deliver value to our shareholders for years into the future."
Property experts yesterday said the Ram Brewery site could potentially be worth well in excess of £20m.
Young's property portfolio, which also entails 206 pubs in London, is estimated to be worth around £200m.
The brewery houses ancient and modern brewing equipment, with Victorian vessels alongside the latest technology. In 1984, £5m was invested in a new brewhouse to increase capacity.
Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister yesterday welcomed the plan, saying it could prove "the catalyst for a new wave of investment in the town centre". He added: "The site is in a key position. It could provide the link between the commercial and retail heart of the town and the fast-growing riverside area."