Marston’s Brewery (Part 2)

Hello to my fantastic followers I hope you’re keeping well throughout this time of uncertainty.

Well, I am hoping my blog posts are bringing you a positive thought to your day.

In my last post on Marston’s Brewery (Part 1), I mentioned that the brewery currently owns and operates five other breweries across the United Kingdom.

Let’s now move onto the next brewery:

The Park Brewery 

History 

Bank’s is a familiar name within Marston’s the main brewery site for this business is located at The Park Brewery in Wolverhampton.

In 1890 Bank’s became Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries when a merger took place throughout the brewing Industry.

In the 1990s Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries purchased Marston, Thompson and Evershed.

Then in the same year, W & D Breweries took over The Mansfield Brewery and transferred all beer production to The Park Brewery.

However, in 2007 W & D Breweries was renamed Marston’s PLC and the main principle brewery on the site was retained to Bank’s

In 2005, Marston’s Brewery took over production under license from Interbrew.

The image below here shows a fantastic picture of The Park Brewery in Wolverhampton.

I certainly wish if I had the money, I would love to live right next to a brewery, I am not sure my partner would appreciate it though (haha).

I just think the gorgeous aromas of beer shooting out of the chimneys into the air are just amazing, that’s why I am glad I live in Burton Upon Trent.

Let’s not get carried away now (hahaha)

Right!

Next, in 2005 Marston’s struck another deal with a fantastic brewery which is located up north in Blackburn.

Thwaites sold parts of its beer business to Marston’s and some of the beers under contract are brewed at The Park Brewery.

The original brewery for Thwaites was demolished at the start of 2011 and then at the end of 2011, Thwaites installed a new £200’000 craft brewery within The Star Brewery in Blackburn.

This was short-lived, sadly in January 2014, Thwaites made the devastating decision to propose the closure of The Star Brewery.

Then shortly in 2015, the core Thwaites beers were contracted over to Marston’s the popular two beers were (Wainwright’s and Lancaster Bomber).

Marston’s made the ultimate decision to supply all Thwaites pubs with beer under a long-term contract.

Thwaites are continuing to produce (much reduced) volumes of ale for its own pubs as they have retained there own microbrewery facility in Blackburn.

In the picture below shows the old former Thwaites Brewery being demolished in 2011.

In my eyes, I think it is really sad to see pictures like this where a fantastic brewery was once running and now is being destroyed to dust.

In all fairness, it has been a bumpy ride for Thwaites but I am proud to see that this brewery is still in business and providing some fantastic beer to the people of Blackburn.

Bank’s Beers 

Bank’s Amber – 3.8% ABV – Deep gold in colour it comes with malty, hoppy flavours and a clean finish with fruity overtones. A desirable session ale and goes perfect with a packet of pork scratching or a hot pork pie.

Bank’s Mild – 3.5% ABV – The worlds best selling mild – it’s beautifully balanced, smooth and very moreish. A light chestnut-coloured beer, exhibiting a glorious balance. Rich and biscuity flavours.

Bank’s Sunbeam – 4.2% ABV – A glorious zesty blonde beer with a vibrant citrus hop and a shimmering blonde colour. Infused rich gooseberry and zesty grapefruit leaving a clean and long aftertaste.

Thwaites Beers

Wainwright – 4.1% ABV – A superb thirst-quenching, refreshing beer packed full of flavour, lightly hopped with subtle sweet notes and a delicate citrus aroma

Lancaster Bomber – 4.4% ABV – Lancaster Bomber is an award-winning full-bodied chestnut-coloured ale with an inviting malty aroma and warming aftertaste.

Mansfield Beers

Original Bitter – 3.9% ABV – A full-bodied session bitter with a smooth finish, ideal for all social drinking occasions.

Smooth Creamy Ale – 3.9% ABV – An easy-drinking smooth creamy ale that delivers a very consistent satisfying pint.

Now you have to admit that is a fantastic range of cask beers, they all sound so beautiful.

In my opinion, my favourite on this selection here is the Lancaster Bomber just down to the taste of the beer and the colour of the appearance is amazing.

Just reading all the history proves what a successful business Marston’s is and I think there is more to come, they’re the conquer of the world.

As soon as it’s safe to do so I have to personally tell you that you should try any of these beers I recommend them all.

If any of my followers are from Blackburn I would love to hear your views on the Thwaites beers that they produce from there microbrewery.

This finally concludes (Part 2) of my Marston’s Brewery tour, I am so excited to bring you (Part 3) in the next coming days.

Take Care

Stay Safe

Luke x