The Robinsons story
The story of Robinsons is one that stretches back over 185 years, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the UK’s largest independent family brewers, with around 250 pubs across the North West and Wales.
2025
After 187 years on Hillgate, brewing operations move to the new brewhouse situated at the Brewing and Packaging site in Bredbury.
Brewing operations move
2024
Old Tom celebrates its 125 birthday with celebrations across the pub estate and a tribute on the side of Stockport pub, the Arden Arms. The milestone seems the beer return to its retro label.
Old Tom turns 125 years old
2023
Robinsons introduce a new arm of craft beers to their brewing portfolio. ‘Unicorn Brewing’ offers innovative and on-trend seasonal limited edition craft beers.
Unicorn Brewing
2021
Robinsons acquire Individual Inns, a selection of six pubs across Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. These pubs formed part of the Managed House estate.
Individual Inns
2017
Original craft beer Old Tom receives innovative rebrand and officially named World’s Best Designed Beer.
Old Tom awards
2015
Robinsons return to Managed Houses. Run by our remarkable General Managers, this is Robinsons’ collection of landmark pubs, restaurants and hotels.
Managed Houses
2013
Robinsons team up with heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN to produce TROOPER beer.
IRON MAIDEN
2013
Training Centre of Excellence and Visitors Centre opens.
Training & Visitors Centre
2011
Robinsons bottled ales are distributed worldwide.
Worldwide distribution
2010
£7 million investment in a new brew house.
New brew house
2003 – 2009
Sixth generation members of the family join the company.
The sixth generation
1975
A new-build packaging centre opens in Bredbury.
New packaging centre opens
1958
William’s great grandson John is honoured with a Knighthood, for political and public services.
John Robinson Knighted
1943
The first Welsh public house, The Black Lion, is bought. The Robinsons estate continues to grow.
Expansion into Wales
1908 – 1933
Bottling commences in a new building. New offices and a new brew house are built.
New bottling premises
1900 – 1905
Frederic’s widow Emma owns the business and, prior to her death, Frederic Robinson Limited is formed. Fourth generation Robinsons join the board.
Frederic Robinson Ltd is formed
1899
Frederic and Emma Robinson’s son, went on to marry Priscilla Needham and became Chairman of Frederic Robinson Limited in 1920.
New chairman marries
1878
Frederic buys 12 exclusive public houses for Robinson’s ales between now and his death in 1890.
12 pubs purchased
1859
William’s younger son Frederic takes over the pub and buys a warehouse behind it, so brewing capacity can be expanded. Robinsons ale is now available to many pubs in and around Stockport.
Production & sales grow
1849
William moves to Heaton Norris, leaving George, his eldest son, to run the Inn. George starts to brew the first Robinsons ale.
First ale is brewed
1838
William Robinson purchases The Unicorn pub, Lower Hillgate, Stockport, from Samuel Hole.
The Unicorn pub
And that’s only part of the story! The Robinsons story is not just about the history of a brewery, it’s about a family, which has played – and continues to play – an immensely important role in the British brewing and pub industry.
Interested in learning more about our story? Our Visit England accredited Visitors Centre unearths all the best kept secrets behind the brewing process. Take the time to journey through the brew house and learn all about what makes our hopnik and cereal cooker so special. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet Bobek and Mojo, two of the few remaining ‘working’ shire horses in the British brewing industry.