Latest news with #WrexhamLager
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham: The Drunk Monk celebrates its fourth birthday
The Drunk Monk is tucked away in Overton Arcade on Wrexham High Street. Run by Kieran Irwin, his fiancée Dannii Rathbone and Kieran's brother Sean, the idea of starting the business was first discussed during the Covid-19 pandemic. By now, it has grown to the point where it regularly offers over 100 beers, showcasing the best from across Wales and England and also the rest of the world. The Drunk Monk just recently scooped the 'Best Pub' prize at the Best of North Wales Business Awards. And, this weekend (July 26/27), the business is celebrating its fourth year of existence. The Leader paid them a visit earlier this week to speak to Kieran about its growth, the impact of Wrexham AFC's takeover and what's in store for the future. Kieran, who moved to Wrexham from Handsworth in the West Midlands a decade ago, told us: "It all started out as a lockdown hobby idea for me and my brother (Sean). He initially came up with the idea of opening our own microbrewery. "But, after we looked into it more, we said 'why don't we open a bar?' and that conversation led to us finding a premises. "To begin with, it was only the small room with the bar in but, after a year of being open, we knocked through into the old salon next door. We now have a pool table upstairs and a darts board up there and it's a room we use for parties." (Image: Wrexham) From the start Kieran - who also works at Wrexham University as the venue manager for the Students Union Bar - has set out with the goal of promoting the best of local Welsh beers. He said: "People talk about Belgium, Germany and places like that having the best beers, but they also don't realise how many breweries we have in Wales and the UK, where there are some quality beers on offer. "We do get our beers from across the world, including German beers in for OktoberFest. But, we also promote Tiny Rebel who are based down South, as well as the likes of Magic Dragon who are based here in Wrexham. "We try to always get the North Wales beers in and then we continuously have four different beers every week on draught. We have our set house beers of Snowdon (Colwyn Bay), Wrexham Lager and Clwb Tropica (Newport) and then four new beers which we change around and they could be from anywhere including Scotland and Plymouth. "We typically have anywhere between 80 to over 100 different beers at any one time, we just try to keep it constantly changing." Asked about which beers prove most popular, Kieran added: "Without a shadow of a doubt, it's Clwb Tropica at the moment. Then it's a toss up for second place between Snowdon and Wrexham Lager. Snowdon is very popular, it flies out." Kieran says that when he initially suggested the idea to people, they advised against it. But, he and partner Dannii - who are getting married in November - pushed on with the project. He said: "People said to us; 'don't do it, Wrexham is not a craft beer town, it's a lager town', but we wanted to prove people wrong. And it turns out it was worth it. "We have now taken on the bar at Ty Pawb market, and we have a Beer Festival coming up in November, with local breweries in Wales and the UK coming in for that. "Dannii is my co-owner in all of this, she is the real 'hands on' one." The upstairs function room at The Drunk Monk which features a pool table and a darts board. (Image: Newsquest) It's no secret that the takeover of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney back in 2021 has had boosted the city's economy greatly. That takeover took place at around the same time The Drunk Monk was established. Talking about that, Kieran said: "It's been massive, it's brilliant on matchdays, we are packed before the match and after the game, especially if Wrexham win. "Even now, during the summer, we get Americans, Canadians, Germans and Dutch people coming in. The football has massively impacted not just us, but bars all across the town. "Especially with the promotions, it's like Christmas in May, so hopefully they can do it again." As mentioned, The Drunk Monk was recently awarded a 'Best Pub' in North Wales prize. And the night of the ceremony is one Kieran will not forget anytime soon - as he sadly wasn't there. He said: "A few customers nominated us for the prize, but we didn't think we had a chance, because we're still one of the smallest pubs around. READ MORE "So, we went on holiday and we missed the actual event, but watched the ceremony online. We were shocked to win, it was frustrating not being there, but awesome at same time." The Drunk Monk team now has its own OktoberFest event, as well as the 'A Brewed Awakening' beer festival on November 28 to look forward to later this year. Speaking about his longer term plans, Kieran said: "Long term, I want to open another bar, maybe not in Wrexham but within an hour radius. Then, in a year or two, we want to go back to the microbrewery, where the conversations started. We're not experts still but that would be our dream."
The Province
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
You can now drink Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham Lager in B.C.
Deadpool star's beer launches on provincial liquor store shelves Wrexham Lager co-owned by Ryan Reynolds (right) and Rob Mac (left) is now officially available in B.C. liquor stores. Photo by Jon Super / AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. B.C.'ers can now have what Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has been drinking as the Reynolds-owned Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd is now officially on British Columbia Liquor Store (BCLS) shelves. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Also available in Ontario the Welsh beer company, which Reynolds co-owns with his Wrexham AFC partner Rob Mac (formerly Rob McElhenney), is the oldest lager brand in the U.K. and still uses a traditional recipe that dates back to 1882. In British Columbia, Wrexham Lager is now available in 92 BCL Store locations, along with select Licensed Retail Stores (LRS) across the province. The BCLS locations will carry the 330ml six packs, while the LRS locations will carry both 330ml and 500ml single cans. 'Bringing Wrexham Lager to Canada is another proud step in our journey and a great reminder to never underestimate something from Wrexham,' said Jon Roberts, board director and interim CEO of Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd. 'With our products now available in British Columbia and Ontario, Canadian customers now get to experience a taste of our premium lager. Our global success reflects the appetite for genuine and authentic lager — something Wrexham Lager is proud to deliver.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Vancouver's Reynolds had previously owned a large stake in Aviation American Gin, which sold for a reported $610 million in 2020. Reynolds still maintains an 'ongoing ownership interest,' in the company. 'As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot,' Reynolds and McElhenney said in a statement according to The Associated Press back in October 2024 when they announced the purchase of the beer brand. 'The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.' Rob Mac (a.k.a. Rob McElhenney), left, and Ryan Reynolds, owners of Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager will be together at this year's Just for Laughs festival (July 23 to 25) in Montreal where Reynolds will be presenting Mac, who executive produces and stars in the long-running sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, with a Generation Award. Photo by Jan Kruger / Getty Images In other Reynolds and Mac news Just for Laughs comedy festival has announced that Reynolds will present Mac with a Generation Award at the Montreal festival. The awards ceremony is part of Just for Laughs' ComedyPRO component, which runs from July 23 to 25. Aside from being a partner of Reynolds, Mac is known for co-starring in and executive-producing 17 seasons of the ongoing sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Read More Crime Food News Sports Betting Local News
Calgary Herald
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
You can now drink Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham Lager in B.C.
Article content B.C.'ers can now have what Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has been drinking as the Reynolds-owned Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd is now officially on British Columbia Liquor Store (BCLS) shelves. Article content Also available in Ontario the Welsh beer company, which Reynolds co-owns with his Wrexham AFC partner Rob Mac (formerly Rob McElhenney), is the oldest lager brand in the U.K. and still uses a traditional recipe that dates back to 1882. Article content Article content In British Columbia, Wrexham Lager is now available in 92 BCL Store locations, along with select Licensed Retail Stores (LRS) across the province. The BCLS locations will carry the 330ml six packs, while the LRS locations will carry both 330ml and 500ml single cans. Article content 'Bringing Wrexham Lager to Canada is another proud step in our journey and a great reminder to never underestimate something from Wrexham,' said Jon Roberts, board director and interim CEO of Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd. 'With our products now available in British Columbia and Ontario, Canadian customers now get to experience a taste of our premium lager. Our global success reflects the appetite for genuine and authentic lager — something Wrexham Lager is proud to deliver.' Article content Article content Article content Vancouver's Reynolds had previously owned a large stake in Aviation American Gin, which sold for a reported $610 million in 2020. Reynolds still maintains an 'ongoing ownership interest,' in the company. Article content 'As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot,' Reynolds and McElhenney said in a statement according to The Associated Press back in October 2024 when they announced the purchase of the beer brand. 'The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.' Article content Article content In other Reynolds and Mac news Just for Laughs comedy festival has announced that Reynolds will present Mac with a Generation Award at the Montreal festival. The awards ceremony is part of Just for Laughs' ComedyPRO component, which runs from July 23 to 25.
Vancouver Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
You can now drink Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham Lager in B.C.
B.C.'ers can now have what Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds has been drinking as the Reynolds-owned Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd is now officially on British Columbia Liquor Store (BCLS) shelves. Also available in Ontario the Welsh beer company, which Reynolds co-owns with his Wrexham AFC partner Rob Mac (formerly Rob McElhenney ), is the oldest lager brand in the U.K. and still uses a traditional recipe that dates back to 1882. In British Columbia, Wrexham Lager is now available in 92 BCL Store locations, along with select Licensed Retail Stores (LRS) across the province. The BCLS locations will carry the 330ml six packs, while the LRS locations will carry both 330ml and 500ml single cans. 'Bringing Wrexham Lager to Canada is another proud step in our journey and a great reminder to never underestimate something from Wrexham,' said Jon Roberts, board director and interim CEO of Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd. 'With our products now available in British Columbia and Ontario, Canadian customers now get to experience a taste of our premium lager. Our global success reflects the appetite for genuine and authentic lager — something Wrexham Lager is proud to deliver.' Vancouver's Reynolds had previously owned a large stake in Aviation American Gin, which sold for a reported $610 million in 2020. Reynolds still maintains an 'ongoing ownership interest,' in the company. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot,' Reynolds and McElhenney said in a statement according to The Associated Press back in October 2024 when they announced the purchase of the beer brand. 'The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.' In other Reynolds and Mac news Just for Laughs comedy festival has announced that Reynolds will present Mac with a Generation Award at the Montreal festival. The awards ceremony is part of Just for Laughs' ComedyPRO component, which runs from July 23 to 25. Aside from being a partner of Reynolds, Mac is known for co-starring in and executive-producing 17 seasons of the ongoing sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
WELCOME TO WREXHAM LAGER, CANADA!
The Beloved UK Lager Makes Its Canadian Debut, Bringing Heritage and Hometown Pride to Beer Fans Across the Nation WREXHAM, Wales, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the oldest lager brand in the UK, has officially landed in Canada through new partnerships with British Columbia Liquor Store (BCLS) and Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LBCO), two of North America's largest alcohol retailers. Since Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds took the reins as co-owners of Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the town's spirit and its lager have gone global. The lager brand from Wales has seen a surge in popularity thanks to the renewed spotlight on the club and its hometown pride. Brewed using a traditional recipe that dates back to 1882, Wrexham Lager is subtly hopped, light, refreshing, and easy to drink. Now, with high demand, the lager is making its way into Canadian fridges for the first time, offering fans a taste of Wrexham wherever they cheer. In British Columbia, Wrexham Lager is now available in 92 BCL Store locations, along with select Licensed Retail Stores (LRS) across the province. The BCLS locations will carry the 330ml six packs, while the LRS locations will carry both 330ml and 500ml single cans. In Ontario, Wrexham Lager's 500ml single can will be available through LCBO locations across the province. The Canadian launch marks the latest milestone in Wrexham Lager's global growth, following successful expansion into the United States, Australia, Scandinavia, Northern Ireland, and additional markets. "Bringing Wrexham Lager to Canada is another proud step in our journey and a great reminder to never underestimate something from Wrexham," said Jon Roberts, Board Director and Interim CEO of Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd. "With our products now available in British Columbia and Ontario, Canadian customers now get to experience a taste of our premium lager. Our global success reflects the appetite for genuine and authentic lager - something Wrexham Lager is proud to deliver." Brewed in Wales since 1882, Wrexham Lager is brewed with the same time-honored Bavarian techniques that put it on the map over 140 years ago, using only the finest ingredients to deliver a crisp, refreshing taste that's stood the test of time. For more information and where to buy, please visit and follow on Instagram at @wrexhamlager. Zach Groth and Sydnie Edelman / CURICH|WEISS|AMPLIFY [email protected] About Wrexham Lager Brewed in Wales since 1882, the Wrexham Lager Beer Co is the oldest lager brand in the UK. Its high-quality lager beer is made with the finest, carefully selected ingredients, using a unique original recipe that is over 140 years old and brewed with the very best modern Bavarian equipment. The Wrexham Lager Beer Co is built on 140 years of heritage and history - and was even served on the Titanic. In October 2024, Wrexham Lager Beer Co came under a new ownership model with Wrexham AFC co-chairmen Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds coming onboard as co-owners through Red Dragon Ventures joining the Roberts family.
