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Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic 90s beer RETURNS to taps after over a decade – and punters will be buzzing
The beer was renowned for its adverts which led to one TV star finding fame - do you remember them? CHEERS TO THAT! Iconic 90s beer RETURNS to taps after over a decade – and punters will be buzzing Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN iconic 90s beer is returning to pub taps after over a decade to the delight of punters. The legendary "Cream of Manchester", Boddingtons Cask Ale, became a symbol of Northern Pride, with the brewery famed for its memorable adverts starring Melanie Sykes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Boddingtons Cask Ale is returning to pubs soon (Credit: JW Lees) 2 Melanie Sykes found fame starring in the iconic Boddingtons ad in the 90s Credit: Boddingtons First brewed in 1778, the famous ale disappeared from handpumps in 2012 but is now set to return to pubs across the North West. Manchester's oldest brewer JW Lees is to brew the cask ale close to its original home under licence from Budweiser Brewing Group. Punters who have waited 13 years for a sip of the creamy ale will be able to order a pint of it in selected pubs across the North West from September, before it becomes more widely available. The brewery said it would be brewed using traditional methods, but would be given a fresh twist for modern punters. The relaunched cask ale will have an ABV of 4% - slightly weaker than its original 4.1% recipe. JW Lees director William Lees-Jones said: 'When I joined JW Lees in 1994, Boddingtons was 'The Cream of Manchester' and we were in awe of their position in leading the cask beer revolution…' 'We are planning to put Boddingtons back where it rightly deserves to be, as one of the leading premium UK cask beers, particularly in our heartland of the North West. 'We also look forward to working with Budweiser Brewing Group with their portfolio of market-leading lagers and premium packaged beers in our pubs.' Boddingtons is best known for its creamy texture and the catchphrase "Do you want a flake in that?" which it adopted in its iconic 90s advertising campaign. TV presenter and Northerner Melanie Sykes first found fame starring in the ads, which originally aired in 1996, before she made the leap into presenting thanks to The Big Breakfast. Mel Sykes stars in classic Boddington's Bitter advert with athlete Ken George The star reunited with her "old muckers" in 2017 to shoot a new Boddingtons ad. While production of its cask beers stopped in 2012, cans of Boddingtons draught bitter can still be found in high street stores. As part of the beer's relaunch, JW Lees has created a new ad campaign referencing another of Boddingtons' famous slogans. A poster by the brewery readers: "By 'eck, the Cream of Manchester is back on cask" - a reference to the original "By 'eck it's gorgeous" line synonymous with Boddingtons' 90s ads. AB InBev (Budweiser Brewing Group) president Brian Perkins said "We are excited to relaunch Boddingtons Cask Ale in partnership with JW Lees, combining one of the UK's most iconic beer brands with one of its most respected brewers. "We see real growth potential for Boddingtons in the UK On Trade, and this is a great example of how strategic partnerships can unlock value for both businesses and beer lovers alike.' Other iconic beers returning to pubs The Cream of Manchester isn't the only iconic beer returning to pub taps. Double Diamond beer was among the nation's best-selling drinks from the 1950s to through to the early 1990s, before it was discontinued in 2003. It made its return to pubs last year, and it was recently revealed that it has returned to the high street, with cans of the pale ale on sale in Tesco. In other booze news, Captain Morgan announced this month it's launching a "tropical beer" for the first time. The iconic rum maker's "Muck Pit Brew" is described as a "tropical beer-inspired drink with a gently fizzy twist, combines spiced rum, hops, and vibrant Caribbean vibes." The flavours are inspired by hops, which are a common ingredient found in beer, and fermented fruits such as mango. The booze contains 4% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is available in 440ml cans. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Iconic 90s beer RETURNS to taps after over a decade – and punters will be buzzing
AN iconic 90s beer is returning to pub taps after over a decade to the delight of punters. The legendary "Cream of Manchester", Boddingtons Cask Ale, became a symbol of Northern Pride, with the brewery famed for its memorable adverts starring Melanie Sykes. 2 First brewed in 1778, the famous ale disappeared from handpumps in 2012 but is now set to return to pubs across the North West. Manchester's oldest brewer JW Lees is to brew the cask ale close to its original home under licence from Budweiser Brewing Group. Punters who have waited 13 years for a sip of the creamy ale will be able to order a pint of it in selected pubs across the North West from September, before it becomes more widely available. The brewery said it would be brewed using traditional methods, but would be given a fresh twist for modern punters. The relaunched cask ale will have an ABV of 4% - slightly weaker than its original 4.1% recipe. JW Lees director William Lees-Jones said: 'When I joined JW Lees in 1994, Boddingtons was 'The Cream of Manchester' and we were in awe of their position in leading the cask beer revolution …' 'We are planning to put Boddingtons back where it rightly deserves to be, as one of the leading premium UK cask beers, particularly in our heartland of the North West. 'We also look forward to working with Budweiser Brewing Group with their portfolio of market-leading lagers and premium packaged beers in our pubs.' Boddingtons is best known for its creamy texture and the catchphrase "Do you want a flake in that?" which it adopted in its iconic 90s advertising campaign. TV presenter and Northerner Melanie Sykes first found fame starring in the ads, which originally aired in 1996, before she made the leap into presenting thanks to The Big Breakfast. Mel Sykes stars in classic Boddington's Bitter advert with athlete Ken George The star reunited with her "old muckers" in 2017 to shoot a new Boddingtons ad. While production of its cask beers stopped in 2012, cans of Boddingtons draught bitter can still be found in high street stores. As part of the beer's relaunch, JW Lees has created a new ad campaign referencing another of Boddingtons' famous slogans. A poster by the brewery readers: "By 'eck, the Cream of Manchester is back on cask" - a reference to the original "By 'eck it's gorgeous" line synonymous with Boddingtons' 90s ads. AB InBev (Budweiser Brewing Group) president Brian Perkins said "We are excited to relaunch Boddingtons Cask Ale in partnership with JW Lees, combining one of the UK's most iconic beer brands with one of its most respected brewers. "We see real growth potential for Boddingtons in the UK On Trade, and this is a great example of how strategic partnerships can unlock value for both businesses and beer lovers alike.' Other iconic beers returning to pubs The Cream of Manchester isn't the only iconic beer returning to pub taps. Double Diamond beer was among the nation's best-selling drinks from the 1950s to through to the early 1990s, before it was discontinued in 2003. It made its return to pubs last year, and it was recently revealed that it has returned to the high street, with cans of the pale ale on sale in Tesco. In other booze news, Captain Morgan announced this month it's launching a "tropical beer" for the first time. The iconic rum maker's "Muck Pit Brew" is described as a "tropical beer-inspired drink with a gently fizzy twist, combines spiced rum, hops, and vibrant Caribbean vibes." The flavours are inspired by hops, which are a common ingredient found in beer, and fermented fruits such as mango. The booze contains 4% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is available in 440ml cans.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Price of popular beer hiked in supermarkets including Sainsbury's and Morrisons
DRINKERS are feeling the pinch as prices of the popular Spanish lager have shot up in supermarkets across the country. The price of your favourite San Miguel has been steadily increasing since Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) took over its production in January. 1 Single bottles have been hit hardest, rising by an average of 34p to a hefty £2.55, according to an investigation by The Grocer. Sainsbury's shoppers have seen the biggest jump, with prices going up twice since January, from £1.99 to a whopping £2.75. Morrisons isn't far behind, with a bottle now costing £2.50, up from £2.20. Multipacks are also affected, with a four-pack of cans now costing around £5.94. Even larger packs have seen a slight increase. So, what's behind the price hike? BBG blames "government-imposed duties and new packaging taxes," which they say have increased production and distribution costs. The brewing and pub industry is dealing with a slew of financial pressure, including a rise in employee national insurance contributions and fresh charges on waste packaging, which have added £1 to the cost of a 12-pack of beers. This follows a 3.6% increase in duty rates introduced in February. This hated levy is charged on all drinks with an alcohol by volume (ABV) strength exceeding 1.2%, either at the point of production or upon importation. Sainsbury's and Morrisons say a variety of factors are impacting prices. Asda declined to comment. However, it seems San Miguel has been struggling to keep its head above water. Sales have dipped since BBG took over, falling by a hefty 13.3% to £216.3million. Despite the price increases, BBG is trying to keep the Spanish spirit alive with a big marketing campaign, promising a "Spanish Summer – No Matter, Where," complete with TV ads, social media buzz, and pub giveaways. A BBG spokesperson said: "San Miguel remains a consumer favourite, and we look forward to activating it this year with exciting marketing and trade campaigns." Other popular beer brands have opted to reduce alcohol content as a way to minimise the impact of rising costs and avoid price increases. What brands have slashed alcohol content? Coors is dropping the alcohol level of its lager from 4% to 3.4% in the coming weeks, joining a growing list of brands watering down their booze. Earlier this year, Heineken dropped the alcohol level of its SOL brand drinks from 4.2% to 3.4%. Grolsch was cut from 4% to 3.4% last year, leaving fans furious. The beer, relaunched by Asahi in 2020 after being scrapped the year before, was previously sold at 5% ABV. Kronenbourg saw its alcohol content drop from 5% to 4.6%, with Carlsberg Marston's insisting it could still 'deliver great taste and quality' despite the change. Hophead, brewed by Asahi-owned Dark Star, also fell from 3.8% to 3.4% last year as part of a major revamp across the range. Banks Amber Ale was reduced from 3.8% to 3.4% in mid-2023 as part of a move to encourage 'moderation' among drinkers. John Smith's Extra Smooth, the UK's No.1 keg ale, had its ABV trimmed from 3.6% to 3.4% to support healthier drinking habits according to Heineken. Fosters, the Aussie-themed lager, had its alcohol level cut from 4% to 3.7% back in 2022 as part of Heineken's drive to meet demand for lower-alcohol drinks. What's happening at pubs? Last week, the boss of Wetherspoons warned the price of a pint will go up by 20p in the coming days as breweries are already pushing through hikes on the back of costs pressures from Labour's tax hikes. The pub industry had already faced demands for higher prices from breweries, which had increased their prices by around 7p per pint in the past week, Sir Tim Martin revealed. "It means pints in pubs are going to go up by on average 15p to 20p this month", he said. Despite this, Sir Tim said he won't be raising prices at his own pubs. The British Beer and Pub Association recently warned that the price of a pint is expected to exceed the £5 mark, up from the current average of £4.80. Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young's, announced plans to raise the chain's prices by 2.5% to 3%. Similarly, Stonegate Group, which owns popular pubs like Slug & Lettuce, Walkabout, and Popworld, increased prices by 4% for its leased and tenanted pubs on May 2. Meanwhile Heineken increased the price of its draught beer by an average of 2.97% for pubs in February. In January, Wetherspoons raised the prices of some drinks and meal deals by up to 30p. How can I save money at Wetherspoons? FREE refills - Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day. Check a map - Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other. So if you're planning a pint at a Spoons, it's worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you're settling in at the cheapest. Choose your day - Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights. For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual. Pick-up vouchers - Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled. Get appy - The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table - but you don't need to be in the pub to use it. Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play. Check the date - Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry. It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14. As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
