Pub fury as 10 popular beers to be 'banned' from pubs just in time for Christmas

In a move that's set to shake up the pub scene just before Christmas, Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced its intention to discontinue 10 classic British beers in the coming weeks. While some of these beloved brews will still be available in bottles, fans will no longer find several of them in cask or keg form.

The list of beers on the chopping block includes Eagle IPA, Banks's Mild, and Bank's Sunbeam, a decision that has sparked outcry among real ale aficionados and dedicated drinkers of these brands.

Gillian Hough, CAMRA's director for real ale, cider, and perry campaigns, expressed her dismay at the news, describing it as "another example of a globally owned business erasing UK brewing heritage" She went on to say, "I hope this change will create space on the bar for local independent breweries to stock their beers," but added sceptically, "However, realistically, I suspect that's not CMBC's intention."

Hough further lamented, "This loss of consumer choice is the inevitable result of a brewing conglomerate prioritizing profits over tradition. It's a sad and disappointing decision that jeopardizes both the history and the future of British brewing."

Defending the company's decision, a spokesperson for CMBC told The Sun: "Unfortunately, when demand for certain products declines, we have to make the difficult decision to delist them.", reports the Express.

They also highlighted the company's ongoing commitment, saying, "However, we continue to invest in new cask ales and support popular traditional offerings like Banks's Amber Bitter and Marston's Pedigree."

Roger Protz, the former editor of the Good Beer Guide, has voiced his concerns over the impact of the Carlsberg and Marston's merger, stating that it "continue[s] to destroy consumer choice and brewing heritage". He lamented: "Not content with closing breweries, they are killing more cask beers: inc Banks's Mild, Bombardier, Marston's Old Empire, Ringwood Old Thumper, Jennings Cumberland Ale."

Social media users have also expressed their dismay at the developments. Andrew Duncan commented: "Bombardier and Ringwood were fantastic beers from great breweries. It's almost like the days when Camra was founded."

Another user remarked: "Tragic - there's some excellent beers there."

Meanwhile, Richard A shared his personal loss: "A list of some of my favourite ales. This isn't just business, it's corporate evil."