A 200-YEAR-OLD Cumbrian brewery is set to close next month, it has been confirmed - with business leaders saying that the closure is 'a sad day' for the town.

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) announced on Tuesday, September 6 proposals to close Jennings Brewery, Cockermouth next month.

The town's Chamber of Trade has said that the announcement marks 'a sad day for Cockermouth'.

'So much will be lost'

Andrew Marshall, chairman of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said: "This is a sad day for the loyal Jennings team, a sad day for an iconic business, and a sad day for Cockermouth.

"Jennings has been part of the fabric of this area for nearly 200 years. Much has always been made of how the water to make the beer was drawn from the brewery's own well and the taste is unique.

"The tower which sits above the brewery site is a Cockermouth landmark. Even devastating floods couldn't stop Jennings beer being made.

"Jennings Brewery has always been a draw for visitors too. We were unhappy when the tours and shop were closed and feared that could be the beginning of the end and now those fears are realised.

"How many towns in the UK can boast their own brewery and say that their pubs serve pints brewed within sight of the place where it is made?

"So much will be lost with the closure of this business - not least the jobs of the people who work there and we feel for all of them."

'We understand this news will be very difficult'

CMBC’s logistics based at Jennings Brewery will continue to operate as normal while options for the site are explored, including potential for sale.

Following the closure of the brewery, Jennings Cumberland Cask ale and bottled beer brands will be produced at Marston’s Brewery in Burton.

The business said it is providing 'support to colleagues throughout this period' and is 'actively exploring opportunities for redeployment' within CMBC.

Paul Davies, CEO, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the team at Jennings Brewery, and our priority over the coming weeks will be to ensure they have the support they need as we enter a period of consultation.

“We understand the great affection the local community has for the brewery, and its place as part of the UK’s brewing heritage.

READ MORE: Jenning's Brewery, Cockermouth set to close in October

"We are pleased to continue brewing Cumberland Cask by moving production to the historic Marston’s Brewery in Burton, which has a fantastic track record producing traditional cask beers.

“Jennings has operated below capacity for a number of years and has seen a significant decline in volumes, the impact of which has been made more significant by the pandemic.

"Over the course of the past year, we have carefully considered all options for the brewery and have reached the extremely difficult decision to close the brewery.

“We understand this news will be very difficult for our team at Jennings and disappointing to many other colleagues, consumers and customers.

Calbserg Marstons has blamed 'economic headwinds' impacting the industry for the closure of the brewery.

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