By Tom Innes
Copyright jerseyeveningpost
THE decision to cease the brewing of Liberation Ale in Jersey, with production shifting to the parent company’s UK brewery, has been described as “devastating” by a consumer pressure group.
In a decision marking the end of 150 years of brewing history by the business, the Butcombe Group confirmed yesterday morning that brewing operations in Jersey would relocate to Bridgwater in Somerset. Liberation Ale, Liberation IPA, Herm Gold and Waverider are among the beers that will be imported to Jersey once the switch is completed.
Announcing the decision, the company said that head brewer Pat Dean would also be transferring to the UK brewery in order to ensure the continued quality of the beer range.
A spokesperson said: “The costs of brewing beer, operating the brewery and other well-documented business expenses have dramatically risen over the last few years.
“To make sure we can continue to run a viable brewing business, including brewing a range of Liberation beers, we have evaluated the current effectiveness of the brewery in Jersey and made this difficult decision.”
It is understood that a “handful” of jobs are potentially affected by the decision, with discussions taking place with staff ahead of decisions around whether those concerned are redeployed to other roles or accept voluntary redundancy.
Peter Bridle, CAMRA’s Central regional director, said: “The decision is devastating for locals in Jersey and fans of Liberation beers alike.
“This continues the trend that’s causing the erosion of brewing heritage across the UK and Channel Islands, muddying the waters for consumers when it comes to understanding where their beers are being made.”
He added: “Governments must provide extra support, so great cask breweries can continue to provide well-crafted pints to their communities.”
The company will retain its pub estate in Jersey and Guernsey, as well as the local drinks distribution operation.
Production of the Liberation range is expected to begin in earnest in Somerset at the start of 2026, with sufficient stock of Jersey-brewed beer in place to ensure supplies are maintained until the new year.
Former chair of the Jersey branch of the Campaign for Real Ale Ian Ferguson said he was saddened by the news.
“It’s recognition of what’s happening in the wider brewing industry – there’s been a lot of consolidation and this is another nail in the coffin,” he said.
Recent examples of regional operations to close in the UK include the Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire, with beer production shifting 150 miles north to Burton-on-Trent.
“I expect the advertising will still try and maintain the Jersey connection, but that’ll be difficult when it’s not produced here,” Mr Ferguson added.
One Island licensee said that authenticity was something that real ale drinkers placed great stock in, and that many would be disappointed to discover the beer they were buying was “not as local as it was made out”.
“We still have Stinky Bay, but that’s only a small business,” he said. “Maybe there’s an opportunity for another local brewery?”
The history of the business can be traced back to 1871, when J S Palmer established the Ann Street Brewery with the aim of producing premium ales.
Liberation Group was formed in 2008 after a management buyout of the pub and hospitality business run by Sandpiper.
In 2015, it acquired the UK’s Butcombe Brewery – taking its scale to more than 750 staff and 94 pubs, bars and restaurants in the Channel Islands and the UK at the time.
London-based investment trust company Caledonia Investments is the majority owner of the business, which was renamed as the Butcombe Group in December 2024.
In a letter to licensees, seen by the JEP, the company pledged that prices would not change as a result of the move, describing the situation as “very much business as usual for us”.
