Changing Times Brewery enters UK market

Leading UK wholesale drinks supplier Inn Express will manage distribution for Changing Times in the UK, with initial listings for the naturally brewed Irish beer secured in more than 50 outlets including high- profile pub groups Windmill Taverns in London and Pillings in Manchester

Changing Times Brewery, the independent family-founded brewery in Glasnevin, has launched in the UK market, with the expansion expected to grow sales this year by over 30%.

The UK launch marks the brewery’s first move into an international market less than two years since it was established by the families behind some of Ireland’s best-known pubs.

Leading UK wholesale drinks supplier Inn Express will manage distribution, with initial listings for the naturally brewed Irish beer secured across more than 50 outlets nationwide this year.  These include high-profile pub groups Windmill Taverns in London and Pillings in Manchester, with further independent pubs and bar groups set to come on stream across London, Manchester, Birmingham and other major cities over the coming months.

Operated by publicans

Changing Times is owned and operated by Irish publicans from The Palace Bar, The Long Hall, The Swan, The Bankers, Arthur Mayne’s, Devitts, Doheny & Nesbitts, Sheehans, Lemon & Duke, The Bridge 1859, The Blackrock, The Bank, McSorley’s, Darkey Kelly’s and The Ferryman, with Pat Rigney (owner of The Shed Distillery) joining as chair last year.  Other partners in Changing Times include publican Benny McCabe and renowned brewer Shane Long founder of the Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork, who oversees Changing Times brewing operations.

Since launching in Ireland in November 2024, Changing Times has established itself as a distinctive independent brewery focused on producing naturally brewed, smoother-tasting beers with broad consumer appeal.   The business generated over €1.2 million in sales in 2025, its first full year of operation and projects sales growth of over 30% in 2026 following the UK market launch.

The business was founded with a vision to produce exceptional naturally brewed beers informed by a deep understanding of consumer tastes and pub culture.  From an initial two beers upon launching, Changing Times has now expanded its range to a total of five individual draft offerings, including Daydreamer Lager, Clockwork Stout, After Hours Hazy Pale Ale, Bleedin’ Red Ale and Timeless Nitro Red Ale, all brewed at its facility in Glasnevin, Dublin.

Accorind to Shane Long, head of Brewing Operations Changing Times & founder of the Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork, “Things moved much quicker than we expected. We had always planned to expand into the UK, but our timeline was a little further down the road. The team at Inn Express came across Changing Times while visiting pubs over here.  They were searching for a new premium Irish stout, and they got in touch. From those first conversations it was clear there was a real appetite for what we were doing. It was an opportunity we didn’t want to let pass, so we brought our plans forward and got to work.”

Changing Times director Willie Aherne, owner pf The Palace said: “When we established Changing Times, our ambition was to create a brewery built by publicans, for people who appreciate a great pint. The response in Ireland so far has exceeded all expectations and we are continuing to grow our presence in pubs and venues across the country. As publicans ourselves, we only brew beers that we are proud to serve in our own bars. It’s fantastic to see that being recognised, and we’re excited to introduce Changing Times to customers across the UK.”

Pat Rigney, chair of Changing Times Brewery, owner The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney says that breaking into international markets in any extremely tough. “I’ve been through that journey myself with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and the right partner, persistence and hard work only pay off when the product is really great.  The publicans behind Changing Times have truly built something exceptional. To be forecasting 30% growth by year-end, despite only launching in the UK midway through the year, is a strong endorsement of both the quality of the beers and the strength of the Changing Times brand.”

Despite only entering the UK this month, the strength of demand for the premium Irish-brewed beer has already led to multiple repeat orders, which combined with continued growth in the Irish market, is set to increase total turnover for 2026 by 30%, bringing total sales to over €1.6 million.