It starts with the cap, gas slowly escaping as the treasure inside is revealed, bubbling away as a thin wisp of vapour loiters and lurks around the top of the bottleneck, soon to be dispersed as the pouring begins. “Two thirds at an angle and straight for the rest” says a voice in his head, a memory of days bygone working at the local, subconsciously driving the movement as the glass fills and the head rises above the rim.

It’s time.

The only thing left to do is secure the spot of choice. Could it be the sofa? Perhaps the garden... At the end of the day it mattered not as deep down, Henry knew he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Old Speckled Hen is rather popular with ale drinkers up and down the country, in fact it’s the no. 1 premium ale in the UK, and if you’ve seen some of the ales our country produces, you’ll know we’re in good company! 

The great British ale was first brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the MG car factory in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. It was even named after the factory’s test car which was once spattered in paint to try a new paint concept. The concept didn't quite catch on, but the car became known as the “Owld Speckl’d Un”. The eagle-eyed might even see the resemblance between MG’s logo and the Old Speckled Hen label! You may now associate it with our mascot, Henry, who can often be seen out and about around the country, telling his jokes and showing off our particularly splendid pint glass… 

More than 40 years on, this unique and distinctive ale continues to be a finely balanced beer with a distinctive rich, toffee-malt taste and fruity aroma.