Our Story
The original Firkin Brewery was established in 1979 as a chain of brewpubs, of which the Fox & Firkin was one! Famous for their Dogbolter strong ale, the chain of brew pubs was ultimately sold off and by 2003, the Firkin Brewing brand has disappeared. 17 years later (give or take) the trademark for Firkin Breweries expired, and the team at Fox & Firkin decided it was time for Firkin Brewery to be reborn. The Firkin Brewery story is one of bold ideas, great beer, and a touch of irreverence.
The Birth of a Brewpub Revolution
(1979–1982)
In 1979, brewer and entrepreneur David Bruce spotted a run‑down former Truman pub — the Duke of York in Borough, South London — and saw potential. With the help of brewing pioneer Peter Austin, he transformed it into the Goose and Firkin, a pub that brewed its own beer on site.
The concept was simple but groundbreaking: fresh beer made just metres from the bar, served in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. The Goose’s success was immediate, and in 1980 the Fox and Firkin opened in Lewisham, followed by the first pub outside London — the Fleece and Firkin in Bristol — in 1982
Rapid Growth and a Cult Following
(1980s–mid‑1990s)
Firkin pubs became known for their playful names (always “The ___ and Firkin”), their distinctive Dogbolter dark ale, and their raucous, music‑filled atmosphere. Many had viewing windows into the brewery, making the beer part of the show.
By the mid‑1990s, the chain had 44 pubs, 19 of them brewing on site. The Firkin “passport” pub crawl became legendary — visit 12 Firkins, get a T‑shirt, and bragging rights for life.
Changing Hands and the End of Brewing
(1988–2001)
The success of the concept attracted big players:
- 1988 – Sold to Midsummer Leisure
- 1990 – Acquired by Stakis Leisure
- 1991 – Bought by Allied Lyons (later Allied Domecq)
Under Allied, the chain expanded nationwide, often into university towns. In 1999, Punch Taverns acquired the brand and quickly ended brewing at all Firkin pubs, replacing the beers with national brands. By 2001, the Firkin name was officially retired in the UK, though a few pubs kept the branding.
Legacy and Revival
(2020–now)
While the original chain closed, Firkin’s influence lived on. Many former Firkin brewers went on to start their own breweries, and the Dogbolter recipe survived through Ramsgate Brewery.
In 2020, the Fox and Firkin team in Lewisham registered the Firkin Brewery brand, and in 2023 returned to brewing, keeping the spirit alive. The new Firkin Brewery now resides in the old Sainsbury's depository warehouse which is situated to the rear of the Fox and Firkin pub and has direct access from the Fox and Firkin beer garden. Our brewery boasts a brand new, British made, stainless steel PureWeld brewing kit (which we're very proud of).
Key Dates in Firkin History
(1979–2025)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | First Firkin pub, the Goose and Firkin, opens in Borough, London |
| 1980 | Fox & Firkin opens in Lewisham |
| 1982 | First outside London – Fleece and Firkin, Bristol |
| 1988 | Chain sold to Midsummer Leisure |
| 1990 | Acquired by Stakis Leisure |
| 1991 | Bought by Allied Lyons (later Allied Domecq) |
| Mid‑1990s | 44 pubs in the chain, 19 brewing on site |
| 1996 | First international Firkin opens in the Netherlands |
| 1999 | Punch Taverns acquires brand; brewing ceases |
| 2001 | Firkin brand discontinued in the UK |
| 2014 | Dogbolter recipe revived at West Berkshire Brewery |
| 2020 | Firkin Brewery brand registered by Fox & Firkin team |
| 2023 | Firkin Brewery resumes brewing in Lewisham |