Courage Brewery

Courage Brewery

Courage Brewery was a historic brewery located in London, England. It was founded in 1787 by John Courage and initially operated as a small family-owned business. Over the years, it grew into one of the largest and most successful breweries in the country.

History

The history of Courage Brewery dates back to the late 18th century when John Courage, a young entrepreneur, established the brewery in Horsleydown, Southwark. Initially, the brewery produced ales and porters, catering to the local market.

In the 19th century, Courage Brewery underwent significant expansion and modernization. It adopted new brewing techniques and invested in state-of-the-art equipment, allowing it to increase production and improve the quality of its beers. This expansion enabled Courage Brewery to supply its products to a wider audience, both locally and nationally.

During the 20th century, Courage Brewery continued to thrive and became a household name in the UK. It gained a reputation for producing high-quality beers, including its flagship brand, Courage Best Bitter. The brewery's success led to further growth and acquisitions, including the purchase of Barclay Perkins Brewery in 1955.

Closure and Legacy

Despite its long-standing success, Courage Brewery faced challenges in the late 20th century due to changing consumer preferences and increased competition from larger breweries. In 1986, Courage Brewery was acquired by the brewing conglomerate, Scottish & Newcastle.

Under Scottish & Newcastle's ownership, the Courage Brewery brand continued to operate, but several of its breweries were closed down. Eventually, in 2007, Scottish & Newcastle was acquired by Heineken, and the Courage Brewery brand was phased out.

Although the physical presence of Courage Brewery no longer exists, its legacy lives on in the form of its iconic beers and the impact it had on the brewing industry in the UK. Many of the recipes and brands associated with Courage Brewery are still produced by other breweries today.

See Also

• John Courage
• Barclay Perkins Brewery
• Heineken