OUR STORY
From humble beginnings over 170 years ago to becoming the South West’s leading brewer, pub operator and drinks wholesaler, our success is rooted in our people. We bring communities together through great beer, warm hospitality and a deep-rooted commitment to the region we call home.
A LEGACY BREWED OVER TIME
Our story is rooted in resilience, innovation and a deep love of beer and hospitality. Our founder, Walter Hicks, began his career as a humble wine merchant and maltster before he took on the Seven Stars Inn in 1863. Tucked away on East Hill in St Austell, this was where he first discovered a passion for brewing. As the business grew, it moved (in 1893) to Trevarthian Road, where St Austell Brewery still stands today. While much has evolved, the original brewhouse remains the beating heart of our business.
When Walter passed away, his daughter Hester Parnall took the reins. A pioneering businesswoman with formidable drive, Hester helped shape St Austell Brewery’s future. She grew the hospitality arm of the business and laid the foundations of the company we are today.
OUR FLAGSHIP ALE IS BORN
In 1999, we entered a bold new chapter with the arrival of Roger Ryman as head brewer. A master of his craft and lover of innovation, Roger’s debut beer, Daylight Robbery – brewed to mark the Solar Eclipse – was reimagined as Tribute in 2001. It remains our flagship beer. His legacy also lives on in modern classics like Proper Job, korev and Mena Dhu, which are brewed by our talented team with the same spirit of curiosity and craft.
FUTURE FOCUSED
Our horizons expanded in 2016 with the acquisition of Bath Ales and, two years later, the opening of the state-of-the-art Hare Brewery. In Cornwall, our Small Batch Brewery – launched in 2018 – fuels our drive for exploration with unique, limited-edition brews.
With an expert team led by industry legend Georgina Young, we continue to brew our flagship favourites and small-batch beers with the passion, craft and spirit of the South West.
WELCOMING ALL
Today, our pub estate spans over 160 characterful inns, pubs and hotels across the South West. We take great pride in our food, with a focus on provenance and sourcing ingredients locally to celebrate the flavours and producers of the region. We also remain the South West’s leading wholesale drinks supplier, proudly connecting hospitality businesses with the best beers, wines and spirits from around the world.
Still independent and family-owned, the values of our founder, Walter Hicks, live on through every pint we pour and every guest we welcome. That’s why we’re proud to be brewing great experiences for the generations to come.
We’re proud of our heritage and passionate about protecting our future. Our sustainability strategy, Crafting a Brighter Future, puts people, places and partnerships at the heart of how we do business. With ambitious goals and real action already underway, we’re focused on supporting a thriving South West – by protecting places that inspire, crafting partnerships that matter and championing people with passion.
LATEST NEWS
From fresh beer releases and new pub openings to community stories and inspiration for your next South West adventure. Discover the latest from St Austell Brewery on our blog.
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