Morrells' brands saved with a contract brewing deal

Morrells' beer brands have been saved with a contract brewing deal with Dorset's Thomas Hardy.

The brewer, formerly part of Eldridge Pope, is to start producing Oxford Ale, Graduate and Varsity immediately.

The 18th Century Oxford brewery is to close this month after it was bought by a team including entrepreneur Michael Cannon for £48m.

Morrells head brewer David Polden said: "Final selection of the contract brewer was made after exhaustive trials and subsequent comparative product tastings to ensure product matching.

"Morrells' brewing and material specifications have been adhered to throughout and continuity of supply of the same varieties of English malt, hops and yeast strain has been secured."

The new owner of Morrells aims to put "substantial" sums into expanding the freetrade business as well as improving its pub estate.

Thomas Hardy Brewery in Dorchester is now owned by Thomas Hardy Holdings, headed by ex-Courage executive Peter Ward.

Ward last month launched a joint venture contract brewing company with Burtonwood Brewery in Cheshire.