Beer, Builders & Britain: What’s The Future For Our Breweries?

It’s Beer Day Britain and we’re looking at construction in the alcohol industry.

According to YouGov, the most popular beer in Britain is Guinness, followed quickly by Kopparberg and San Miguel. From Peroni to Corona, the majority of the beers featured in Britain’s top 10 are international. Despite their roots, some are actually brewed domestically, addressing local demand and avoiding import costs. 

The 15th of June marks Beer Day Britain, a grassroots celebration that was designed to put a spotlight on Britain’s pubs, homegrown beer and incredible brewing heritage. While everyone should raise a pint and ‘cheers to beer’ at 7 pm today, there is a wider discussion to be had about construction in this space over the next few years. 

Building Breweries 

The future of Britain’s beer is feeling rather uncertain. At least, if you’re looking at some of the smaller, independent breweries. As is the case with many businesses, family-run or mid to mini-sized beer brands are struggling to make ends meet, and the sector is contracting accordingly. What that has led to is the redevelopment of some of Britain’s breweries, with construction companies brought in to repurpose sites for housing, tourism and other urban projects. 

While that’s good news for tradespeople who are brought on to those jobs, there isn’t much to celebrate for those businesses looking to expand in a tough sector. Nonetheless, Britain's breweries are still being funded, on a much grander stage. Because those household names are putting everything into dominating the market by building sustainable and cost-effective solutions. 

Look at Greene King, for instance. The pub and brewer brand is spending £40 million on the development of a new state-of-the-art brewery in Bury St. Edmunds. With expectations that the work will be completed in 2027, this facility will be a huge boost to the local economy and a massive opportunity for tradespeople. And Greene King isn’t the only one splashing out. Both Keystone and Damm have moved ahead with their own expansion plans, the latter spending £70 million on the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford. 

Backing Britain’s Pubs

Of course, more work has to be done to protect the pubs that these pints end up at. It’s not all bad news there either. Despite the shrinking pub scene, some of these big brands are channelling funds into new renovation schemes. Heineken, for example, will pump £44.5 million across 600+ pubs, around 100 of which will benefit from major overhauls. Equally, Stonegate Group has invested £100 million into its venues. 

Beer Day Britain is a chance to reflect on where things are heading, and one thing is clear. Britain’s builders are going to be integral to the continued support of both the nation’s breweries and pubs. But after a long day on the job, saving this vital industry, what beer will you be turning to? Let us know!