Hidden gems of St Austell Brewery’s history revealed in 175th anniversary book

Written by our archivist Paul Holden, the book brings together stories, records and personal insight to chart the evolution of one of the South West’s leading independent, family-run brewing, hospitality and wholesale businesses – one that continues to thrive today.

The story begins in 1851 with founder Walter Hicks, from his early days brewing at the Seven Stars Inn in St Austell to the construction of the Trevarthian Road brewhouse in 1893, where St Austell Brewery’s beers are still made today. Designed around a gravity-fed system rather than pumps, the Victorian brewhouse reflects traditional brewing methods of the time and remains part of our working brewery – a rare and much-cherished link between past and present.

A standout chapter explores the role of Hicks’ daughter, Hester Parnall, who took over the business following her father’s death. At a time when women were rarely involved in brewing or hospitality, Hester led the brewery through periods of expansion and change, travelling across Cornwall and beyond to grow the pub estate and helping to secure the brewery’s independence for future generations.

Drawing on meticulously kept handwritten brewing logs and recipe books dating back to the 1800s, the book reveals how beer was once brewed using instinct, experience and taste alone. Many of these rediscovered records have since inspired heritage beers brewed especially to mark the our 175th anniversary.

The book also details how the business adapted through some of the most challenging moments in our history, including both World Wars, when recipes were adjusted during rationing and buildings and labour were repurposed to keep the business running. Readers are also offered glimpses into a time when beer was delivered by horse and cart to local pubs, with ledgers detailing delivery routes, volumes and even the impact of the weather.

Alongside this rich history, the book explores the stories behind modern favourites such as Tribute – originally brewed as Daylight Robbery for the 1999 solar eclipse – as well as Proper Job and korev.

Paul Holden, Archivist at St Austell Brewery and author of the book, said: “This book is about the details as much as the big moments – the handwritten notes, the delivery ledgers and the people whose decisions shaped the brewery. It’s a story rooted firmly in the South West, but also one of resilience, change and a long-standing pride in brewing great beer and building a thriving hospitality business across the region. This is a must-have for fans of St Austell Brewery, lovers of history and anyone with a passion for beer and brewing.”

Produced to mark the milestone anniversary, A History of St Austell Brewery is available to buy now via our online shop: https://www.staustellbreweryshop.co.uk/p/history-of-st-austell-brewery/.