Following the takeover by W&DB, the brewery's distribution centre in Workington was closed and its tied estate of 127 pubs absorbed by the W&DB pub company.
In May 2020, Marston's announced that it would merge its brewing business with Carlsberg UK (the United Kingdom arm of Carlsberg Group), into a joint venture valued at £780 million. Marston's took a 40% stake in the merged firm. The deal involved Marston's six breweries and distribution depots, but not its 1,400 pubs.[1][2]
In September 2022, the Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company announced the closure of the brewery to take effect in early October.[3] Jennings Cumberland Cask ale and bottled beer brands will be produced at Marston's Brewery, in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.
A month later, the site was placed on the market with the agents seeking offers of £750,000.[4] Agents TSR stated the property is suitable for continuation as a commercial brewing operation or as a regeneration opportunity, respecting the historic significance of the site.[5] In March 2024, the property failed to achieve its auction reserve price of £750,000. Agents SDL said they would continue to market the site for a post-auction sale.[6]
As of February 2025 there were plans to re-open the brewery. New owners Kurt and Rebecca Canfield bought the Cockermouth brewery and the rights to the Jennings brand for an undisclosed sum.[7]
List of brewed ales
Cumberland Ale (4.0% abv) - The brewery's biggest selling ale.
Jennings Bitter (3.5% abv) - The original beer from the Jennings brewery in Cockermouth and the brewery's biggest seller in west Cumbria; since May 2019 this is now called Night Vision.
Castle Bitter - Lakeland Ale (3.4% abv)
Seasonal Ales:
Red Breast (4.5% abv Dec 2014 and Dec 2015) - Named from a line in The Redbreast Chasing the Butterfly by William Wordsworth, who was born in Cockermouth
Cockle Warmer (4.2% abv Jan 2015) - Not to be confused with Laal Cockle Warmer