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Old Spanish Hen? Estrella owner buys Greene King ale brand
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Old Spanish Hen? Estrella owner buys Greene King ale brand

The Guardian · May 19, 2026, 11:15 AM

Key takeaways

  • Old Speckled Hen ale has been owned by Greene King since 1999.
  • Barcelona-based brewer Damm has agreed to buy Old Speckled Hen brands, including its non-alcoholic and golden ale versions.
  • Greene King said it would continue to brew the ale at its Westgate site in Bury St Edmunds during the sale “handover period”, but that the process will later move to Damm’s brewery in Bedford, which it opened last year.

Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.

Old Speckled Hen ale has been owned by Greene King since 1999. Photograph: Graham Turner/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Old Speckled Hen ale has been owned by Greene King since 1999. Photograph: Graham Turner/The Guardian Greene King Old Spanish Hen? Estrella owner buys Greene King ale brand Pub owner’s sale to Barcelona-based brewer Damm is latest takeover of a British beer by an overseas buyer

Prefer the Guardian on Google Pub chain Greene King has agreed to sell its Old Speckled Hen ale brands to the Spanish owner of Estrella lager, making it the latest in a series of British beers to be snapped up by overseas buyers.

Barcelona-based brewer Damm has agreed to buy Old Speckled Hen brands, including its non-alcoholic and golden ale versions.

Article preview — originally published by The Guardian. Full story at the source.
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