Pubs across the United Kingdom are encountering shortages of Old Speckled Hen ale following its recent acquisition by the Spanish brewing company Estrella Damm. The transition, which took place on July 1 after Estrella Damm completed its purchase from Greene King, has led to disruptions in the distribution of the popular beer.

A spokesman for Estrella Damm acknowledged that while Old Speckled Hen continues to be brewed, temporary supply chain adjustments associated with the ownership change have affected deliveries to pubs. The company cited unusually hot weather and the extended duration of England’s World Cup campaign as additional factors intensifying demand on an already strained transitioning supply system. Though the brewer confirmed that stock is being replenished, it conceded that the intermittent shortages can feel acute for pub operators. Estrella Damm is cooperating with Greene King to reduce the impact of these disruptions where possible.

First brewed by Morland Brewery in Abingdon in 1979, Old Speckled Hen was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of MG Motor moving to the Oxfordshire town. The beer’s name refers to a paint-splattered factory runabout known affectionately by workers as the “Owld Speckl’d Un.” Originally intended as a limited release, the ale’s popularity quickly outpaced production capacity, leading Morland to expand output and phase out lager brewing.

Greene King acquired Morland in 1999, subsequently developing Old Speckled Hen into one of Britain’s leading premium ales over the following two and a half decades. The brand also gained wider recognition through a sponsorship deal with the male-focused television channel Dave, signed in 2009. The recent sale by Greene King to Estrella Damm included the flagship Old Speckled Hen, its golden ale variant Old Golden Hen, and associated non-alcoholic offerings.

The supply interruptions became evident shortly after the beers were integrated into Estrella Damm’s distribution network, with reports of shortages emerging from outlets nationwide. Estrella Damm stated that this integration process is now largely complete, and customers across the UK have begun to receive consistent deliveries.

The acquisition of Old Speckled Hen adds to a series of foreign takeovers of British beer brands in recent years. Notable previous transactions include purchases of Boddington’s, Bass, and Camden Town by Belgian giant AB InBev, and the sale of Fuller, Smith & Turner’s drinks division, which included London Pride, to Japan’s Asahi in 2019. These deals have sparked concerns over the future of traditional British cask ales, prized domestically but facing challenges in export markets.

In a related development earlier this year, Sharp’s Brewery — owned by American investors and maker of Doom Bar ale — announced plans to close by the end of 2026, citing financial unsustainability. Amid the evolving brewing landscape, Estrella Damm affirmed its commitment to maintaining Old Speckled Hen’s presence in British pubs as part of its portfolio.