Robinsons Brewery
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Combining an impressive heritage stretching from 1838 with innovation, Robinsons is one of the UK’s largest independent family brewers. Over 18's only.
Unicorn Brewery rests over the foundations of the Unicorn public house, marking the beginning of a family business which continues to thrive 175 years later. After twelve successful years as the landlord of Unicorn, Lower Hillgate, Stockport, William Robinson purchased the inn from Samuel Hole on 29th September 1838. By 1849 William had remarried after the early death of his wife Juliet and moved to Heaton Norris, leaving George, his oldest son to run the inn with his wife and sister-in–law. At this time George started to brew the first Robinsons ale. William’s younger son Frederic took the helm from George in 1859 and, so brewing capacity could be expanded, bought a warehouse to the rear of the Unicorn inn. As a result, during the 1860’s Robinsons ale was available at many pubs in and around Stockport. To control the quality of conditions in which the ales were sold by independent publicans, Frederic decided to buy a number of public houses and between 1878 and his death in 1890 established 12 exclusive outlets for Robinsons ale- beginning what was to eventually become an estate of more than 340 pubs across the north west and wales. Family Heritage
Frederic and Emma Robinson with their son WIlliam and daughter Mary. William, pictured here with his mother, went on to marry Priscilla Needham in 1899 and became Chairman of Frederic Robinson Limited in 1920. Fast forward to the early decades of the 20th century and Frederic’s grandchildren, sons of William, joined the family business. After Frederic’s passing, his widow Emma owned the business in entirety and it was shortly prior to her death that she instigated the formation of Frederic Robinson Limited. 4th generation Robinsons, Frederic, John and Cecil joined the board and continued to build the company alongside their father William. With bottling commencing from a new building in 1908, new offices in 1913 and a new brewhouse in 1929, by William’s death in 1933, despite the countries difficult economic climate, Robinsons was strongly positioned for further growth. Over the following years, the estate grew by acquisition, new buildings and extending the geographical area. The first Welsh house – The Black Lion was bought in 1943. William Robinson, would have been proud to hear John, his great grandchild, was honoured with a knighthood in 1958 for political and public services in Cheshire- 120 years after William purchased the Unicorn Inn. The early 1950’s saw 5th generation Robinsons, Peter, Dennis and David, starting to join the business. Over the past 6 decades Robinsons has continued to grow. 15th October 1975 saw the first bottling at a newly built packaging centre in Bredbury- ongoing development at UPC (Unicorn Packaging Centre) means all our beers are now transferred from Unicorn Brewery to Bredbury for packaging and distribution once fermentation is complete. Robinsons’ bottled ales such as Old Tom and Unicorn are distributed worldwide. The sixth generation strive to build further upon the family legacy. Neil, Veronica, Paul, Oliver and William were elected to the board in September 2003, followed three years later by Sara, who is now Company Secretary and John in May 2009. Our eyes are firmly on the future as we develop brewery, brands and pubs at pace. With over £5 million investment in a new Brew House (including the World’s largest hopnik, which strains hops to maximise aroma and flavour), Training Centre for excellence and Visitors Centre, there is much to look forward to. Please forward all sponsorship/donation requests to [email protected] as we cannot respond to them through our social channels.
14/10/2026
Run your own pub with lower ingoing costs 🍻
Our Operator Partnership pubs are a great route into running your own pub, offering plenty of support and no large upfront investment. One of the opportunities currently available under our Operator Partnership agreement is the White Hart in Kendal.
Why choose the White Hart?
📍 Prime town centre location
🍺 Strong wet-led trade with excellent week and weekend potential
⭐ Opportunity to make the business your own
🍻 Scope to enhance and develop the cask ale offering
🛋️Large on-site private accommodation included
The White Hart has all of the foundations in place for someone with vision and passion to take it to the next level with the support of our teams.
Could this be the pub for you? Click the link below to view the vacancy:
https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/tenancy/white-hart-kendal/
Two weeks ago today, we celebrated 130 years of Unicorn. 🍻
It was amazing to see so many people joining us over the weekend to mark such a special milestone and we’ve loved hearing the wonderful feedback from our pubs and customers about the day.
To everyone who enjoyed a £1.30 pint with us, thank you. Not only for celebrating with us on the day, but for your support over the years that has helped make 130 years of Unicorn possible!
Here are some highlights from a memorable day of celebrations.
The Christmas countdown is on…
Many of our pubs are now taking festive bookings, so be sure to reserve your table before they're gone. Whether it's a Christmas party, festive catch-up, Christmas Eve drinks, Boxing Day lunch or Christmas Day itself, there's plenty to look forward to this festive season.
And keep an eye out for a special guest... some of our pubs may even have Father Christmas stopping by before the big day!
Click the link below to find a pub and plan for Christmas🎄
https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/find-a-pub/
08/10/2026
A huge congratulations to our Sustainability Facilitator, Isabelle Masters on being named a finalist in the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) National Innovation in Training Awards for Training Professional of the Year.
Isabelle first joined Robinsons as a university placement student before returning to the business after completing her degree. Since then, she has worked endlessly to drive sustainable change across the company, all while mentoring new sustainability placement students alongside her role.
Through her determination to bring our teams on our sustainability journey, Isabelle has helped establish BII Sustainable Champions across our pub estate and played a key role in driving the business towards Silver Carbon Literacy status, with more than 30% of our Head Office and Brewery colleagues completing Carbon Literacy training.
Her influence extends far beyond training programmes. Through her energy and passion, she has encouraged colleagues across our pubs, brewery and offices to think differently about sustainability and the impact of the decisions we make every day.
This recognition is incredibly well deserved and is a reflection of the dedication and commitment Isabelle has shown since joining us. We couldn't be prouder to see her achievements recognised on a national stage.
Please join us in wishing Isabelle the very best of luck at the NITAs Ceremony in London on the 19th November.
07/10/2026
Last Friday, members of our team from across the business took on a 12.4km hike across Mam Tor and the Great Ridge in support of Natasha's Foundation.
The hike was organised as part of an Allergy Buddy Walk, helping to raise awareness of food allergies, celebrate the impact of Natasha's Law and support the vital work of Natasha's Foundation in funding research and education.
As a business in the hospitality industry, this cause is particularly important to us. Natasha's Law has helped make eating out safer for millions of people with food allergies, giving customers greater confidence through clearer allergen information and food labelling.
We're incredibly proud of everyone who took part and helped support such an important cause. It's safe to say the pint at the end of the walk was well deserved!
So far, our team have raised £780, and we'd be hugely grateful for any further donations, big or small, to help Natasha's Foundation continue its amazing work towards a future free from food allergies.
If you'd like to donate, please click the link below:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/robinsonsbrewery
Take a look inside the Wheatsheaf Inn, Brigsteer. 🍻
Located in the Lake District, this village pub is ready for its next Pub Partner.
Why choose the Wheatsheaf Inn?
✨ Desirable rural location
🍽️ Established food offer
🛏️ Six en-suite bedrooms
🌳 Beautiful b**r garden with village views
🏡 Strong local and tourist trade
If you’re an experienced operator looking for your next opportunity, the Wheatsheaf Inn could be the perfect fit.
Want to discuss our current vacancies?
Join us on the 22nd October from 12– 4pm for our Open Day. Meet the team, find out more about the Wheatsheaf Inn and our other current vacancies.
No pressure, no commitment, just a coffee and a chat. And to make the day even more memorable, our Shire horses will be there too! 🐴
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]! We would love to hear from you.
01/10/2026
Autumn is officially here, and there's nothing better than a cosy country pub as the evenings draw in. 🍂
As the leaves fall and the colder weather returns, it's time to swap b**r gardens for crackling fires, cosy corners and a well-earned pint after a crisp autumn walk.
Click the link below to find a cosy pub near you.
https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/latest/warm-up-by-the-fire/
*Photo credits to The Black Lion, Llanfair TH .
26/09/2026
Today, we're celebrating the 130th anniversary of one of our much-loved b**rs, Unicorn 🍻🦄
Join us in raising a pint to 130 years of Unicorn and the final days of Cask Ale Week and make sure to pop into one of our participating pubs and enjoy a pint for just £1.30 (while stocks last)!
Find a participating pub here:
https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/latest/1-30-pints-to-celebrate-130-years-of-unicorn/
Did someone mention £1.30 pints?🍺
Challenger popped to The Arden Arms Pub Stockport and the Bakers Vaults in Stockport for a couple of pints of Unicorn to celebrate its 130th anniversary a little early ahead of the weekend.
What are your plans this Saturday? Why not head down to one of our participating pubs to make the most of £1.30 pints of Unicorn (while stocks last!)
Click the link below to find your nearest participating pub.
https://www.robinsonsbrewery.com/latest/1-30-pints-to-celebrate-130-years-of-unicorn/
Robinsons Shire Horses
23/09/2026
We'd like to wish one of our fantastic pubs, the Puss In Boots, Offerton, the very best of luck tonight at the The Morning Advertiser Great British Pub Awards in Leeds! 🏆
The Puss in Boots has been shortlisted for Best Pub for Families, a well-deserved recognition for a pub that has created a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. Following its recent refurbishment, the pub continues to go from strength to strength, offering something for all generations to enjoy, backed by a fantastic team and a real community atmosphere.
Please join us in wishing them good luck! 🍀
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Telephone
Website
Address
Unicorn Brewery, Lower Hillgate
Stockport
SK11JJ
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Saturday | 10:30am - 8pm |
| Sunday | 10:30am - 5pm |
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