One of Britain's most recognizable ale brands, Old Speckled Hen, is entering a new chapter after Greene King agreed to sell the brand portfolio to Damm UK, the British subsidiary of Barcelona-based family brewer SA Damm, best known for its Estrella Damm beer.

Under the agreement, Old Speckled Hen and its related brands—Old Golden Hen, Old Crafty Hen, Old Master Hen, and Low Alcohol Old Speckled Hen—will continue to be brewed at Greene King's brewery in Bury St Edmunds until June 2027. After that, production will move to Eagle Brewery in Bedford, which is operated by Damm UK.

Greene King Chief Executive Nick Mackenzie said the company is proud of the growth of Old Speckled Hen over the past 25 years and believes Damm UK is well positioned to continue brewing the iconic ale in Britain while supporting its long-term future.

The sale has drawn attention from beer enthusiasts and industry observers, particularly because Old Speckled Hen originated at the historic Morland Brewery in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, before Greene King acquired the brand in 1999. The Morland brewery later closed, but the ale has remained one of Greene King's most successful products and continues to be widely available in pubs across the UK.

Industry experts believe the decision reflects Greene King's broader business strategy, which is shifting its focus toward supplying pubs and hospitality venues rather than packaged beer sales through supermarkets, retailers, and export markets. As part of this strategy, Greene King plans to stop selling bottled, canned, and other packaged beers from next June, while Damm UK will continue producing and distributing Old Speckled Hen in those formats.

Beer campaigners have described the sale as a significant moment for the UK brewing industry, pointing to increasing pressure from supermarket pricing and changing consumer purchasing habits. Despite the ownership change, Old Speckled Hen is expected to remain available to drinkers, with production continuing in England.

The ale traces its origins back to Abingdon, where it was named after a distinctive 1927 black-and-gold MG factory runaround vehicle, affectionately known as the "Old Speckled Hen." Although the original Morland brewery site has since been redeveloped, the beer remains closely associated with the town's brewing heritage.