Young’s Pub Chain Sees Surge in Demand for Hawkstone Lager Amid Expansion Plans

Young’s, one of the UK’s most iconic pub chains, has reported a significant surge in demand for Hawkstone lager, a brand co-owned by television presenter Jeremy Clarkson. This uptick has contributed to record-breaking sales at several venues, including the Oyster Shed in London, which recorded £91,000 in takings during a single day in April 2026. The achievement marks the highest daily revenue for any Young’s venue since the company’s founding nearly 200 years ago.

Record-Breaking Day at the Oyster Shed

The Oyster Shed, located on the banks of the Thames near Nomura’s UK headquarters, saw a dramatic increase in footfall on a sunny Thursday at the end of April. According to City AM, the pub’s success was partly attributed to the popularity of Hawkstone lager, which has become a staple in Young’s portfolio. The £91,000 takings equate to approximately 11,000 pints sold at an average price of £8 per pint. If sustained daily, this would translate to an annual turnover of over £30 million.

Young’s chief executive, Simon Dodd, highlighted the shift in consumer preferences, noting that patrons are increasingly seeking premium experiences. “When the sun comes out, consumers come out, and our numbers jump dramatically,” Dodd said. He emphasized the growing demand for craft and premium beers, including the fruity Jubel Peach and Jubel Lime, as well as Hawkstone lager and Asahi.

Hawkstone’s Rise and Clarkson’s Role

Hawkstone, named after a nearby neolithic standing stone, was launched by Jeremy Clarkson as part of his farming ventures. The brand, which began as a small-scale operation, has since expanded to include cider, with Kaleb Cooper, star of Clarkson’s Farm, fronting the cider line. While the source article does not specify Hawkstone’s exact sales figures, its inclusion in Young’s portfolio underscores its growing market presence.

Dodd noted a 8% year-on-year increase in beer demand and a 16% rise in cocktail sales, attributing the trend to evolving consumer tastes. “Beer is back in fashion,” he said, citing the success of new products like Jubel Lime.

Young’s Expansion Ambitions

Wandsworth-based Young’s, which operates around 280 pubs across the UK, is actively pursuing expansion. The company has set a medium-term goal of growing its estate to 350 pubs, with a focus on London. In recent years, Young’s has acquired several chains, including the City Pub Group for £162 million in 2023 and Cubitt House for £30 million in 2026. The firm also raised its dividend by 6% following a “record year” of sales exceeding £500 million.

Young’s, which recently transitioned from the AIM market to the main London stock exchange, aims to join the FTSE 250 by June 2026. For the year ending March 2026, the company reported a 4.6% rise in turnover to £508.2 million, with pre-tax profit surging to £41.1 million.

Looking Ahead

The success of Hawkstone lager and Young’s strategic expansion reflect broader trends in the UK pub industry, where premium offerings and local partnerships are driving growth. As Young’s continues to acquire new venues and diversify its drink portfolio, the brand’s collaboration with Clarkson remains a notable example of how celebrity ventures can intersect with traditional hospitality.