John Young (brewer)
John Allen Young | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 August 1921 England |
| Died | 17 September 2006 (aged 85) |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, Chairman of Young's Brewery |
| Known for | Leading Young's Brewery for over five decades; advocacy for traditional cask ale and British Shire horses |
John Allen Young CBE (7 August 1921 – 17 September 2006) was a distinguished English brewer who led Young's Brewery in Wandsworth for more than five decades as its chairman.
Early life
Emerging from well-established brewing lineages, Young received his education at the Nautical College in Pangbourne. During World War II, he served as a fighter pilot in the Fleet Air Arm, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander by 1945. Following the war, he pursued an economics degree at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Early professional experiences included work in shipping, where he met Yvonne Lieutenant in Antwerp; they married in 1951.
Career at Young's Brewery
Young entered the family business in 1954 alongside his brothers. A decade later, in 1964, he took over as chairman from his father, a position he maintained until 2006. His tenure was marked by a balance of innovation and respect for tradition—he introduced children's rooms within pubs while preserving established customs. Known for his hands-on approach, Young frequently toured various brewery departments and outlets. Deeply invested in equine heritage, he advocated for the conservation of British Shire horses and ensured that horse-drawn deliveries persisted into the new millennium. Additionally, he held presidencies at the London Harness Horse Parade (1957–1968) and the Greater London Horse Show (1972–74).
Charity
Young demonstrated strong commitment to charitable causes, chairing the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases and serving on the board of the National Society for Epilepsy, where he played a key role in fundraising efforts. His services to brewing and philanthropy were recognized with a CBE honor in 1975 and the granting of the Freedom of the City of London in 1986.
He gained recognition from the Real Ale Movement by steadfastly continuing Young's production of traditional cask ale during an era when many breweries shifted to keg beer, which, despite operational advantages, was viewed as less flavorful. This dedication led to multiple Young's beers receiving endorsements from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Later life and death
After five centuries in central Wandsworth, Young's Brewery encountered redevelopment challenges from local authorities. Following discussions, John Young consented to vacate the premises and collaborated with Wells Brewery in Bedford to continue brewing Young's beers. The Wandsworth brewery ceased operations in September 2006, coinciding with John Young’s passing due to cancer. Portions of one of the final brews were served at his funeral. He left behind his son James and daughter Ilse.
John Young Award
To commemorate his influence on real ale and London's pub scene, CAMRA’s London branch established the John Young Award. This accolade is presented annually to individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to Real Ale or enhanced CAMRA’s visibility within London.
John Young Room
In 2012, the John Young Room was inaugurated to honor both John Young and the heritage of the Ram Brewery. Located within the Old Sergeant on Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, this space sits above a historic coach house and showcases photographs, signs, posters, and various memorabilia.
Operating as a licensed establishment since at least 1785, the Old Sergeant was acquired by the Young family from Earl Spencer in 1857. It exemplifies a small neighborhood pub and earned recognition as Best Community Pub in Britain in 2012. The premises also feature a visible 19th-century Coach house.