BeerSmith Home and Beer Brewing Podcast British Brewing in the 1970’s with Ron Pattinson – BeerSmith Podcast #328
Jul 21, 2025
Join Ron Pattinson, a prolific author and expert on British brewing history, as he delves into the vibrant landscape of 1970s beer culture. He shares fascinating stories about the rise of tank beer, the consolidation of the big breweries, and the struggles of the Runcorn Brewery. Discover the birth of modern beer festivals and how they transformed the industry. Pattinson also discusses the impactful changes in beer preferences and the formation of CAMRA, setting the scene for a brewing renaissance.
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Rising UK Beer Consumption 1970s
- Beer consumption in the UK increased every year in the 1970s despite economic hardships like inflation and unemployment.
- This contrasts with the US, where beer consumption steadily declined since the 1950s, showing unique British drinking resilience.
Electric Pumps for Cask Beer
- Most cask beer in the Midlands and Northern UK was served through electric pumps rather than hand pumps in the 1970s.
- Power cuts caused major issues in pubs since electric pumps stopped working, disrupting beer service.
Keg Beer Control over Pub Landlords
- The shift to keg beer was driven by brewers wanting more control, not consumer demand.
- Brewers distrusted pub landlords' handling, so keg beer kept quality management in brewer's hands.
