United Kingdom
British brewing consolidates into national groups
A wave of mergers produced a small number of national brewers who replaced cask beer with keg products across large tied pub estates.
1955–1975
Why it matters
The change that nearly ended cask beer in Britain, and the direct cause of the campaign that saved it.
How well this is established
| Certainty | Well attested. Broadly agreed across sources, though the precise dating or detail may vary between them. |
|---|---|
| When | 1955–1975. Recorded as a period rather than a date because it happened over time. |
| Where | United Kingdom |
Traditions
- British cask ale — Beer that completes its fermentation in the container it is served from and is dispensed without added gas, at cellar rather than fridge temperature.
Either side of this
← 1950: Lambic declines, then is deliberately preserved · 1956: Westmalle names the tripel →
See the whole sequence on the beer history timeline.
Last reviewed 2026-08-16.