Our History

Explore the History

Brought together in 1993, our group now consists of 29 family brewers who form the IFBB, and represent a distinct and unique sector of the UK brewing industry - the family owned brewery.

Our pubs are at the hub of the communities in which we serve. We produce distinctive, regionally brewed ales and support regional suppliers through the use of locally sourced ingredients.

While our breweries have been family owned and run for many generations, our businesses are dynamic and innovative, constantly developing new products and brands.

We share a common goal with our members and that is to:

“Maintain the traditions of cask brewing in Britain, and to continue to support and promote this healthy, profitable and vibrant sector of the industry"

Today, our members between them own over 4,000 pubs throughout England and Wales, providing employment for around 46,000 people. The majority of these pubs (around 82%) are run under the tenanted system, with both new and experienced pub licensees benefiting from comprehensive training and support from their local brewer – our member. Unlike many pubs these days, you will still find the name of the brewery on an IFBB member's pub, and that name will probably indicate which cask ale is available inside.

Our tenants come from a huge range of backgrounds, including ex-forces, chefs, retail, financial sectors – in fact anyone can become a tenant. Some of our pubs have third or even fourth generation of families as tenants.