Copyright 2006: B. United International Inc., All rights reserved.
The resulting flavour has earned HSB a national reputation as one of the classic high strngth bitters of England and helped spear-head a Gales revivial.
When the then chairman, Hugh Bowyer, died in 1982, it brought to and end another chapter in Gales history. Taking over at an inauspicious time, he had seen the company through a World War when new heights were achieved, followed by fifteen years of decline, to finally, a recovery to quite exceptional new levels of output and profit. When he died, he left Gales in a stronger position than ever before.
In 2001, Gales would enter the new millenium continuing where they left off, winning awards, as they are named Regional Brewer of the Year in 2001. Gales win another Publican Award in 2004, this time Pub Company of the Year. These awards reflect Gales continuing commitment to offering the highest standards of customer service.
When Richard Gale purchased the Ship and Bell inn with its brewing facilities in Horndean, he could not have imagined that, over 150 years later, his acquisition would have become a multi-million pound business directly employing around 100 works ar the Horndean Brewery and 111 licensed houses which provide work for many more!
Gales retained the title of Pub Company of the Year at the Publican awards, the success again highlights how Gales has never allowed itself to become complacent and above all innovative enough to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
This strength is seen as a major quality in the industry, so much so that the London Independent family brewers Fuller, Smith & Turner (brewers of London Pride) made a surprise bid and acquired Gales in a 92 million pound deal. It ended Gales 158 year old independence, but will allow the Gales heritage to be further enjoyed by a much wider audience for years to come.
For more information on George Gale & Co. please visit
www.gales.co.uk.
