‘Iconic’ Old Speckled Hen beer will eventually be brewed in Bedford after the British ale brand was sold to the owners of the town’s historic Eagle Brewery.
Damm UK, the British arm of Barcelona-based brewer Estrella Damm, has agreed to acquire the Old Speckled Hen family of brands from Greene King in a deal that further strengthens the company’s long-term investment in Bedford.
The agreement includes Old Speckled Hen, Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen, Old Master Hen and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen.
During a transition period, the beers will continue to be brewed at Greene King’s Westgate Brewery to ensure continuity and consistency before production is later transferred to the Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford.
The move represents another major milestone for the Bedford brewery following Estrella Damm’s purchase of the Eagle Brewery in 2022 and its wider £70 million investment plans for the site.
At the time, the company described the investment as marking “a new era” for the brewery while preserving Bedford’s long brewing heritage.
‘Historic British beer roots’
Luke White, Managing Director of Damm UK, said the acquisition would reconnect the Bedford brewery with its traditional ale-making history.
“Old Speckled Hen is an iconic British ale brand with a rich heritage and loyal following, and we are proud that Greene King has chosen Damm UK to take the brand forward into its next chapter,” he said.
“We have great respect for the history Greene King has built around Old Speckled Hen over the last 25 years and look forward to working closely together throughout the transition period to ensure continued success for the brand, customers and consumers alike.
“The brand not only complements the current portfolio range by adding another category to our offering but it also reconnects the Damm Eagle Brewery to its historic British beer and ale production roots.”
Old Speckled Hen was first created by Morland Brewery in Abingdon before Greene King acquired the brand in 1999.
Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie said: “We are proud to have built Old Speckled Hen into one of the nation’s favourite ales over the last 25 years and are delighted to have secured a partner in Estrella Damm who will continue to brew the ales in the UK.”
Bedford brewery expansion
The acquisition comes during Estrella Damm’s 150th anniversary year and continues the company’s expansion in the UK market.
Read: £70m investment marks new era for Bedford’s historic Eagle Brewery
Since taking over the Eagle Brewery, Damm has invested heavily in Bedford, with plans including major upgrades to brewing capacity, sustainability measures and site improvements.
The brewery remains one of Bedford’s most recognisable industrial landmarks and a key employer within the borough.
The addition of Old Speckled Hen to Bedford’s brewing portfolio is also likely to be welcomed by traditional ale fans, with the brand remaining one of the UK’s best-known premium ales.
