Hydes celebrates 160 years of brewing
The family-owned firm started with brothers Alfred and Ralf Hyde acquiring a small brewing concern in 1863 from their grandfather Thomas Shaw in Manchester.
Since its conception, Hydes has been managed by a myriad of family members through the generations.
In 1899, the business had William and Annie Hyde at the helm when it moved its long-term home at the Queens Brewery site in Brooks Bar, Manchester.
It was under the leadership of the duo the company started acquiring an estate of pubs to distribute more of the brewer’s products.
In 2012, after more than a century, Hydes ended its tenure at the Queens Brewery when it relocated to its current premises in Salford’s Media City – the Beer Studio.
The business, which has more than 40 pubs, is marking the occasion with a variety of commemorative events throughout the year.
Pint promotion
This will include commemorative branding on pump clips and across the pub estate, charity and fundraising initiatives as well as new products such as an anniversary cocktail and the launch of a specially brewed Anniversary Ale.
There will also be food and drink promotions with pints on offer for just £1.60 alongside the introduce of Ralf & Alf’s Summer Ale Trail, which will coincide with the anniversary month this summer (July).
Throughout last year, Hydes invested more than £4.5m in improvements across its estate, which is part of an ongoing programme of redesigns and refurbishments that will continue throughout 2023 and the coming years.
Hydes Brewery managing director Adam Mayers outlined what the milestone celebration means.
He said: “2023 is a big year for Hydes as July marks our 160th anniversary. Reaching 160 years is an achievement to be immensely proud of especially in the current economic climate with all the challenges facing the brewing and pub retail industry. Everyone in the business can be proud of helping us to achieve this significant milestone.
“This year we really want to celebrate success and to share this with our pubs and customers.
“The past few years have been very difficult and although we continue to face challenging conditions, as a business we are taking great strides forward and are in great shape to face the future. 2023 and our 160th anniversary is certainly cause for celebration.”
Significant step forward
Company secretary and board member Adam Hyde has spent more than four decades working for the business.
He said: “160 years marks another significant step forward on our successful journey. The north west has always been well represented by long-established successful independent family brewers.
“We are proud to be in that group and continue to provide great pubs, food and beers to our loyal customers throughout our north-west heartland.
“The family is also very proud of Hydes’ distinguished heritage and reputation as a first-rate employer that respects and values its employees.”
Hyde highlighted how the company has continued to thrive throughout the past century and more.
“A strong focus on running the business in accordance with the traditional value that have guaranteed its survival since 1863 is still very much in play, along with the ability to adapt to an ever-changing landscape,” he added.
“The brewery and pub business has been part of my life as far back as I can remember and my passion for it is as strong now as it was when I first visited the brewery with my father, as a child.
“I’m also thrilled by nephew Tom is continuing the family brewing tradition as an apprentice brewer, learning the trade from an expert team with more than 160 years of collective experience, further strengthening the heritage for another generation.”
