Joseph Holt is celebrating its 175th anniversary with three collaboration beers, created with brewers celebrating the same anniversary — Everards and Hook Norton.

Joseph Holt Kershaws
Andrew Kershaw and Jane Kershaw, who are the sixth generation of the Holt family to work at the brewery, and chief executive Richard Kershaw, who is the fifth generation of the family to work at Joseph Holt. They are photographed brewing anniversary lager

Joseph Holt was established by the eponymous weaver’s son who, with his wife, first opened a small brewery in Manchester 175 years ago. In 1860, he purchased the company`s site in Cheetham, close to the city centre, where the Joseph Holt brewery has been making beer ever since.

“We are delighted to work together with Everards and Hook Norton to celebrate our respective anniversaries,” said Jane Kershaw, who is the sixth generation of the family to work for Joseph Holt.

“Each us represent a key part of Britain’s brewing heritage, through the beers we produce and the fact many of our pubs are part of the history of the local landscape. And so when planning our 175th anniversary all three breweries had the idea to do something together and shout about our unique achievements and how special this industry is.

“The commemorative selection of brews will, thanks to their taste, quality, and care , reflect the ethos we all embrace — of strong community values and the highest standards in producing memorable beers.”

The head brewers from each of the three companies will meet shortly to agree on recipes for the beers. An amber ale will be brewed in March, a pale ale in May, and a dark ruby in September.

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Jane added: “Having been involved in making beer for generations, pubs run by family brewers are known for being at the centre of the local communities, as well as having long standing relationships with their staff and customers.

“Indeed, Joseph Holt pubs host an extensive range of social and support groups, including those dedicated to the menopause, Alzheimer’s, bereavement, and combating loneliness.”

Joseph Holt is marking its 175th anniversary with a charity appeal to raise £500,000 for The Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute. The latter was founded by the first Sir Edward Holt in 1914. In 1933, this amalgamated with The Christie Hospital to form The Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute.

“What we’ve learned from our loyal customers is that they love the personal, authentic, and intimate feel of drinking beer made by family brewers and served in our pubs,” said Jane.

“At a time when businesses in so many areas are struggling, it is testament to the ethos of family brewers that we still hold such an important role in the heart of the communities we serve. We have all come a long way since 1849 and salute the founders and trailblazers who had the original vision. 

“It has been said that family brewers are big enough to matter yet small enough to ensure all those involved feel connected. That’s what we will all be raising a glass to with these very special beers.”