The history of...Robinsons Brewery

The origins of Robinsons Brewery date back to Stockport in 1838. William Robinson founded what was to become a long-standing family business when he bought his local pub, The Unicorn in Hillgate, which would later be passed down through the family. William’s eldest son George was tasked with running the pub in 1849, and alongside his duties found time to begin brewing the first Robinsons ale. When George’s son, Frederic, took over ten years later, he bought a warehouse to expand the business’ brewing capacity, and later went on to purchase another 12 pubs local to the Stockport area. 

Expansion continued over the course of the 20th century, but the business, now booming, remained closely knitted within the Robinson family. In recent years there have been numerous developments: the sixth generation of family members joining the business, a £7 million investment in a new brew house, and worldwide distribution to name but a few.

Famous beers of note from this brewer include the original craft beer Old Tom, which dates back as far as the brewery itself, having first hit the market in 1899. It’s named after the old brewery cat, Tom. The beer is credited with the title of “World’s Best Ale” and “Champion Beer of Britain”. On the other end of the spectrum is Trooper, brewed in collaboration with Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson.

The Robinson family continues to uphold its glowing reputation today with over 260 pubs throughout Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and North Wales, and a real ale selection that truly reflects 180 years of excellent brewing.