Carlsberg to shut historic Marston's Brewery in Burton upon Trent, putting 310 jobs at risk after nearly 200 years

From the Newshound archive · first published 9 October 2026.

Carlsberg Britvic has announced it will shut the Marston's Brewery in Burton upon Trent in the summer of 2027, almost 200 years after John Marston established the business in the Staffordshire town in 1834. The company attributes the decision to a long-term erosion of demand in the ale category, leaving roughly 310 employees facing redundancy. Chief executive Paul Davies said the news "will have come as a shock for colleagues."

The brewery has occupied its current Shobnall Road site since 1898, making it one of Britain's most storied beer-making operations.

Carlsberg confirmed it will continue producing certain ale brands including Hobgoblin, McEwan's and Brooklyn, while planning to offload some cask and regional ale brands.

Drinkers and local politicians branded the move an 'absolute disgrace', with MPs set to debate the plight of the town's workforce.