Keeping it in the family: Hydes celebrates 160th year with new recruit

Brewery and pub retailer Hydes is ensuring that the future of its business as it commemorates its 160th year in business.

Employee Tom Allkins, who is the nephew of Adam Hyde, the longest serving employee and family member in the business as company secretary, has been promoted from brewing apprentice to laboratory manager at Hydes brewery premises in Salford.

Tom passed his Level 4 brewing apprenticeship with distinction.

The Harry Beswick

To celebrate Tom’s promotion and exciting journey within the family business, both he and Adam were invited to the newly opened Hydes premium dining pub, The Harry Beswick, in Heswall, in Wirral.

Tom had the honour of pulling the first official Hydes pint from the newly installed pumps, serving it to his uncle.

The £3.6M Harry Beswick is the first new Hydes establishment to open in five years. Hydes acquired the landmark building, formerly Heswall’s community police station, in 2022 costing £1.3million.

The acquisition of the building was Hydes’ first property acquisition since 2018.

New brewery manager

In addition to Tom’s apprenticeship achievements, fellow brewery worker Tom Rostron has also passed his apprenticeship and has been appointed Hydes’ brewery manager.

Hydes originated when brothers Alfred and Ralf Hyde acquired a small brewing concern in Manchester from their grandfather Thomas Shaw in 1863, beginning a brewing dynasty that would go on to mark its 160th anniversary this year.

As Hydes’ business developed it was managed by a variety of family members from different generations, increasing success led to it outgrowing its premises several times.

In 1899, with William and Annie Hyde in control, the business moved to its long-term home at the Queens Brewery site in Brooks Bar, Manchester. It was under their leadership that the company began acquiring an estate of public houses through which to distribute more of Hydes’ products.

160 years later and Hydes operates nearly 50 pubs ranging from Lancaster in the North to Stoke-on Trent in the Midlands and across to North Wales including a wide selection of premium dining destination outlets and traditional community pubs.

New laboratory manager Tom, said: “It feels great to be making my own way within the family business and to continue the brewing traditions started 160 years ago. It was an honour to attend the opening of our latest establishment and officially welcome the Harry Beswick into the Hydes pub family.”

New generation

Adam said: “What better way to commemorate our 160th year of brewing excellence than launching a new addition to our extensive estate and officially welcoming the next generation of the family into the fold, preserving the rich history of the brewery and further strengthening our heritage for another generation.

“The family is very proud of Hydes’ distinguished heritage and reputation as a first rate employer which respects and values its employees. A strong focus on running the business with the traditional values that have guaranteed its survival since 1863 is still very much in play, along with the ability to evolve and adapt to a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales

Pictured:

Helen
Helen
I'm the editor here at Business Cheshire and I'd keen to hear what's happening where you live. With more than 18 years' experience in journalism and digital PR, I'm particularly keen to hear from businesses with exciting news.
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