That familiar red T. A symbol of Glasgow itself. But have you ever wondered about the story behind Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery? Right here before us stands a giant of Scottish brewing history. Founded in 1740 by Hugh and Robert Tennent this wasn’t the brewery’s first year. Their ancestor Robert had been brewing at the same site since 1556. This makes Tennent’s the oldest continuous commercial concern in Glasgow. Initially located near Glasgow Cathedral at Drygate Bridge the brewery moved to its current location. The Tennents purchased a neighbouring brewery in the 1790s. This expanded their site to an impressive 20000 square meters. They renamed it Wellpark Brewery.
For generations the Tennents brewed stouts and strong export ales. By the mid-19th century J & R Tennent was the world’s largest bottled beer exporter. The brewery continued to thrive under various family members. A key figure was Hugh Tennent. He took control in 1884. He revolutionized the brewery. He introduced lager in 1885 building a new lager brewery that took three years to complete.
Tennent’s Lager became a phenomenal success. It won a top award at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. The first draught lager was in 1924. The first canned lager appeared in 1935 followed by the first keg lager in 1963. The Lager Lovelies graced the cans until 1989. These pin-up models are highly sought after by collectors today. The distinctive yellow can with the large red T is now an iconic image. The can boldly proclaims Tennent’s as Scotland’s favourite beer only ever brewed at Wellpark Brewery Glasgow.
The brewery wasn’t immune to change. In 1963 J & R Tennent was acquired by Charrington United Breweries. This eventually led to ownership by Anheuser-Busch InBev. In 2009 C&C Group plc purchased the Tennent’s brand. They continue the brewing tradition at Wellpark. In 2014 a craft brewery Drygate Brewing Co opened on the site. Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery continues to produce a range of beers including Tennent’s Lager Caledonia Best and many others. The brewery also offers tours and merchandise. So raise a glass to Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery. A place where history and great beer come together. A true Glasgow institution.