CAMRA shocked by Young's brewery announcement
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has expressed its shock and disappointment at the news Young's is to close its Ram brewery in Wandsworth.
Young's announced its plans to enter into a joint brewing venture with Bedford's Charles Wells by October.
CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner said: "We have known for some time that Young's could not continue at its present site, but we held out hope that efforts to find a suitable local alternative would bear fruit and not spell the death of more than four centuries of brewing tradition in Wandsworth.
"CAMRA wants assurances that every one of the beer brands produced by both Young's and Charles Wells will have a secure future, and that the identity of Young's 208-strong pub estate and Charles Wells' 248 pubs will be safeguarded.
"We would also urge Young's to be upfront about where its beers are brewed and not try to pass itself off as a London brewery. It is a tremendous loss for London drinkers and a great shame that there is only one substantial real ale brewer left in the nation's capital in the form of Fuller's."
CAMRA's London Regional Director Steve Williams said: "I am greatly disappointed that London and Wandsworth will be losing their flagship brewery. Another great brewery that has produced fine beers for hundreds of years is lost in the name of progress.
"However, looking forward, I am hopeful that the Young's beers out of Bedford will prove to be as tasty and first rate as those that have quenched the thirst of London's beer drinkers for many years."
