Great Britain’s oldest British lager brewery bought by A-list Hollywood celebs
Date: 2024-10-31GREAT Britain’s oldest lager brewery has new co-owners in the shape of two major celebrities.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have grown their Wrexham empire by partnering with a local brewery.
The A-list actors, who also currently own Wrexham Football Club, have teamed up with the Wrexham Lager Beer Co. Ltd.
The brewer has been owned by the Roberts family since 2011, who revived the brand name after production was halted in 2002.
Reynolds and McElhenney said: ““As Co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC we have learned a lot.
“The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offsides rule and the occasional need for beer – especially after finance meetings.
“Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”
Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd is, it claims, Great Britain’s oldest lager brewery, having been founded in 1882.
The brewer said the latest deal struck with Deadpool actor Reynolds and Always Sunny in Philadelphia star McElhenney represented a landmark moment for the Welsh town of Wrexham and would lead to a ramping up of production.
James Wright, chief executive officer of the Wrexham Lager Beer Co. Ltd, said: “This is a brand with great heritage – the oldest lager brewery in Great Britain, once enjoyed across the world.
“So, to have Rob and Ryan onboard as we embark on international expansion is huge for us.
“They have been doing wonders for the town of Wrexham and strongly share our passion for once again seeing Wrexham Lager enjoyed in all the far-flung corners of the globe.”
Reynolds and McElhenney launched a takeover of Wrexham Football Cub in early 2021 in a deal that shocked the football world.
The team has soared through the footballing leagues since, jumping from the fifth tier National League to third tier League One.
The clubs’ journey is chronicled on the Disney+ series Welcome to Wrexham.
OTHER BEER NEWS
Drinkers have been left fuming after a number of beer manufacturers slashed the alcohol content of their tipples while keeping prices the same.
Asahi has cut the alcohol by volume (ABV) of its Grolsch pilsner from 4% to 3.4% as it looks to cut costs.
Kronenbourg, which recently rebranded to 1664 Bière, has gone from 5% ABV to 4.6%.
Brewer Carlsberg Marston said British punters preferred weaker drinks.
Hophead has also been reduced from 3.8% ABV to 3.4%.
While John Smith’s Extra Smooth has gone down from 3.6% ABV to 3.4%.
The move has become known as “drinkflation”, similar to “shrinkflation”.
The string of moves from brewers comes after the Government brought in a new alcohol duty regime last August.
The change means drinks are now taxed based on strength as opposed to type.
How to save money buying alcohol
Alcohol can be pricey if you’re planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs.
It’s always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price.
Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz.
The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter.
If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers.
Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as pricerunner.com or trolley.co.uk.
Don’t forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too.
If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You’ll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
