Greene King History

Suffolk's Greene King history further develops from the amalgamation of Greene with King becoming well known in the area for fine ale and bitter however when war begins restrictions have an effect as licensing hours are reduced and the strength of beers becomes restricted.

Greene King continues growth

In 1931 the acquisition of Rayments Brewery, which had been established by William Rayment in 1860, meant that Greene King added even more pubs to its portfolio. 

Greene King and the Second World War

During the Second World War Greene King, reacting to the requests of Allied serviceman based in the region, opened a new brew house.    The war takes its toll on the business in its aftermath with government restraints on production volume but like any business that needs to change with the times Greene King did with the growth in bottled beer Greene King builds a new bottling store.

Greene King and the swinging 60s

The 1960s bring with it a time of modernisation and development for Greene King as computerisation helps with bookkeeping and metal containers in the form of casks and beer cans are introduced taking Greene King into a decade of change.  Greene King continue to expand with the acquisition of Wells & Winch of Biggleswade, a brewery established in 1764 by Samuel Wells and later acquired by George Winch for his son Edward to run then becoming Wells & Winch, swelling the number of pubs in Greene King's portfolio again.

Greene King and Morland Brewery

The West Ilsley and later Abingdon based Morland Brewery which was established in 1711 by John Morland was purchased by Greene King in 1999.  Morland Brewery had expanded itself over the years acquiring several Breweries themselves including W.H. Ferguson & Sons' Angel Brewery and The Tower Steam Brewery to name but a few.  With this acquisition Greene King acquire an ale that Morland created to celebrate the MG  car factory's 50th anniversary Old Speckled Hen named interestingly after the old MG car that was frequently splattered with paint that was used as the factory run around vehicle.

Greene King expansion

Further acquisitions are added to the growing portfolio of Greene King including the Magic Pub Company, Old English Inns and Laurel Pub Company.  One of the oldest Scottish breweries The Belhaven Group plc is also acquired by Greene King and in 2006 Hardys & Hansons is also added to what has become a large expansion plan of the successful Greene King at the beginning of the 21st century.  

Growth continues for Greene King

After raising more capital to spend on expansion with a rights issue Greene King move into acquiring high end establishments from Punch Tavens, Cloverleaf, RealPubs and the Capital Pub Company.