Requiem for Ridleys (Hartford End)

Image: © Glyn Baker Taken: 3 Sep 2005

This is T. D. Ridleys magnificent Grade 2 listed Victorian Tower Brewery. Established in 1842 it had a proud tradition of independence. It was one of the last breweries to stop using wooden casks. This year there was a tragedy for beer lovers the business was sold to Greene King. GK seem to be determined to rid as much of the country of their local brews as they can by aping Whitbread and Watneys of the 1960’s and 70’s. G.K do produce some quaffable ales but there is always a psychological bad taste left in the mouth that by drinking it you are supporting a company of serial brewery exterminators. Chelmsford’s other Brewery, Grays, was axed in a deal with G.K in the 1950’s. Already Riddles IPA and ESX are out of production what chance for Rumpus and Old Bob when the Hartford End brewery closes at the end of the year? The most frightening thing is what happens if GK sell out to Coors or Anheuser-Busch? Feel like a pint of gassy fizz anyone? My small protest is I will not be photographing any GK branded pubs! (Small print these are the views of the contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the editors.)

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