Camerons Brewery offloads 27 pubs

The Hartlepool business has sold the tenanted pubs to FB Taverns as it concentrates resources on its brewing operation and managed pub division.

Following the disposal, Camerons will continue to operate 47 pubs across the UK, including its flagship Head of Steam brand.

Camerons, renowned for its Strongarm beer and 15 Head of Steam pubs, five of which are in the North East, was advised by CBRE and Weightmans.

Under FB Taverns’ ownership, these businesses will remain as pubs and will continue to support their local communities.

FB Taverns was founded in 2022, with the intention of growing a business primarily focused on wet-led community pubs.

Chris Soley, chief executive at Camerons Brewery, said ‘‘The disposal of our tenanted pubs provides a strong platform for us to focus on investment for growth within both our brewing facility and managed pub estate.

“We are delighted to have completed the transaction with FB Taverns who are focussed on supporting the further development of community pubs. We wish the licensees all the best for the future and would like to thank them for their contributions while working with Camerons.’’

Soley acquired Camerons, which dates back to 1865, in 2002. The business is headquartered in Hartlepool at the historic Lion Brewery site, built in 1892.

As well as brewing its own products, Camerons is a contract brewer for a number of multinationals.

Recent developments have included the opening of a microbrewery to develop new styles. Camerons acquired the Head of Steam brand in 2013 and formed the Urban Country Pubs brand in 2016 after buying seven pubs from Leeds Brewery.