Fuller’s

Deep in the heart of Chiswick, Fuller’s Griffin Brewery has stood for centuries, a stalwart of London’s brewing scene. Fuller’s story begins long before the official partnership in 1845. It stretches back to the 17th century, to a time when private brewhouses dotted the landscape. Imagine the gardens of Bedford House on Chiswick Mall, where one such brewhouse thrived. Nearby, a smaller operation belonged to Thomas Urlin. Upon Urlin’s death, his son-in-law, Thomas Mawson, took charge, setting the stage for Fuller’s future. Mawson expanded, acquiring The George pub and neighboring cottages. He also purchased the Bedford House brewhouse, solidifying his brewing ambitions. The brewery changed hands, landing with John Thompson and David Roberts. Their partnership dissolved in 1786, leaving Thompson in sole control. The brewery then passed to Thompson’s sons, Douglas and Henry. In 1816, a pivotal year for Fuller’s, the brothers acquired the Griffin name and emblem. The Griffin Brewery name came from a failed brewery in London, a stroke of luck for the Thompsons. However, their fortunes dwindled due to financial mismanagement. They sought help from Philip Wood and the wealthy John Fuller. Fuller invested heavily, largely for his son, and eventually became the majority shareholder. Upon John Fuller’s death in 1839, his son, John Bird Fuller, inherited the brewery. He severed ties with the Thompsons and sought new partners. John Smith, an experienced brewer, joined, investing with his son, Henry Smith, and son-in-law, John Turner. Thus, in 1845, Fuller, Smith & Turner was born. The Griffin Brewery, under the new partnership, flourished. Chiswick Bitter appeared in 1930, followed by the iconic London Pride in the 1950s and ESB in 1971. Fuller’s earned a reputation for quality, becoming the first brewery to win CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain award with three different brews. Even today, as part of Asahi UK Ltd, Fuller’s Griffin Brewery continues its legacy. From its humble beginnings as a private brewhouse to its current standing, Fuller’s remains a symbol of London’s brewing pride.