What Is the Oldest Brewery in London?

By Alice Nichols

London is home to some of the oldest and most renowned breweries in the world. But which one holds the title of being the oldest brewery in London? Let’s take a deep dive into history to find out.

The Oldest Brewery in London

After extensive research, it has been determined that the oldest brewery in London is the Fuller, Smith and Turner brewery. The company was established in 1845, but its roots can be traced back to the early 1700s when it was known as Griffin Brewery.

A Brief History of Fuller, Smith and Turner Brewery

Griffin Brewery was founded by Thomas Urlin back in 1728. The brewery was later acquired by a man named John Fuller who expanded its operations.

In 1816, John’s son, John Fuller II, took over the business and brought on board Henry Smith as his partner. They then changed the name to Fuller, Smith and Co.

The company continued to grow over the years and became a public limited company in 1929. It was later renamed to Fuller, Smith and Turner after a merger with another brewing company.

The Brewing Process at Fuller’s

Fuller’s is known for brewing a range of beers that are loved by locals and tourists alike. Their brewing process involves traditional techniques passed down through generations of brewers.

Firstly, they source high-quality ingredients such as hops from around the world and malted barley from local farms. These ingredients are then mixed with water to create a mash that is heated up in a large vessel called a mash tun.

The liquid extracted from the mash is called wort which is then boiled with hops to create bitterness and aroma. After boiling for several hours, the wort is cooled down before yeast is added for fermentation.

The beer is then left to ferment for several days before being transferred to conditioning tanks where it is matured for a few weeks. Finally, the beer is filtered and carbonated before being packaged and distributed.

The Legacy of Fuller’s

Fuller’s has been around for almost 300 years and has established itself as one of the most iconic breweries in London. Its beers have won multiple awards over the years, and its flagship beer, London Pride, is a staple in many pubs across the city.

In 2019, Fuller’s sold its brewing business to Asahi Europe Ltd but continues to operate pubs across London. The company’s legacy lives on, and its beers are still enjoyed by many around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the oldest brewery in London is Fuller, Smith and Turner Brewery. Its history dates back almost 300 years, and its beers continue to be loved by people all over the world. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Fuller’s is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in London.