5 Shocking Truths & New Beer Updates At Camden Town Brewery London (2025)
Camden Town Brewery in London remains one of the UK’s most talked-about and dynamic brewing operations, consistently navigating the complex world between its independent craft roots and its current ownership by global giant AB InBev. As of December 2025, the brewery continues to expand its reach, not only through its iconic core range but also with exciting new product launches and high-profile sponsorships, such as its recent partnership with the Rugby Football Club, becoming an official sponsor of the sport.
The brewery’s journey from a small operation under a railway arch to a national powerhouse is a fascinating case study in modern craft beer, complete with a controversial takeover that still sparks debate among beer enthusiasts. This article dives into the latest 2025 updates, the essential beers you need to try, and the full story behind the man who started it all, Patrik Franzen.
Patrik Franzen: The Founder’s Profile and Post-Sale Ventures
The story of Camden Town Brewery begins with its Swedish-born founder, Patrik Franzen. Franzen established the brewery in 2010, building on a passion for quality lager and a vision to bring a new style of beer to the London scene.
Here is a brief profile of the founder:
- Name: Patrik Ulf Mattias Franzen
- Role: Founder of Camden Town Brewery
- Founding Year: 2010
- Key Achievement: Successfully launching Hells Lager, a signature blend of the German Helles and Pilsner styles, which quickly became a London staple.
- Post-Brewery Venture: Franzen, alongside his partner Akerlund, continues to be involved in the London hospitality scene, notably operating 'The Diner' under their Good Life Group vehicle.
- Controversy: Franzen was the figurehead of the brewery when it was controversially sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world's largest brewer, in 2015.
The sale to AB InBev was a pivotal moment, providing the capital for massive expansion, including a new, large-scale brewery in Enfield. However, it drew significant backlash from the craft beer community, who accused Franzen and Camden of "selling out" to a major corporation.
The Controversial Acquisition: Craft Beer vs. Corporate Power
The 2015 acquisition of Camden Town Brewery by AB InBev for an estimated £85 million remains one of the most polarizing events in the UK craft beer industry. The deal allowed Camden to significantly expand its operations and distribution, creating more jobs in London and paving the way for their new, larger brewing facility.
For many purists, however, the sale meant Camden instantly lost its 'craft' credentials. Critics argued that the move undermined the spirit of independent brewing, leading to some pubs and retailers dropping the brand or reclassifying it.
Despite the criticism, the partnership has allowed Camden to achieve massive scale, making their core beers ubiquitous across the UK, from supermarkets like Co-op and Waitrose to countless pubs and bars.
The Core Range and Fresh 2025 Beer Drops
Camden Town Brewery’s success is built on a foundation of clean, accessible, and high-quality core beers, but their innovation pipeline remains active, with several new releases hitting the market in 2025.
The must-try beers and the latest drops include:
- Hells Lager (4.6% ABV): The flagship beer. It is a signature blend of a crisp German Pilsner and a malty Helles, celebrated for its refreshing and balanced profile.
- Pale Ale (4.0% ABV): A popular, lower-ABV American Pale Ale that offers a citrusy, hoppy flavour while remaining highly sessionable.
- Unfiltered Hells Lager (4.6% ABV): One of the key recent releases, this beer is brewed to the same recipe as the original Hells, using Perle and Hallertauer Tradition hops, but is packaged directly from fermentation without filtration. Leaving the yeast in the beer results in a smoother, more full-bodied texture and a satisfying depth of hop flavour. It is part of the limited-edition Arch 55 Series.
- Unfussy Unfiltered Lager (4.9% ABV): Another addition to the core range, this lager is available in cans and has been noted for its clean, modern profile.
- Week Nite Any Day Lager (3% ABV): A recent low-ABV addition, this is a dry-hopped, unfiltered lager designed for easy, everyday consumption.
- Seasonal/Limited Editions: The brewery also releases seasonal specials like the festive Jingle Helles, as well as experimental brews like Aussie Pilsner and Off Menu IPA.
Visiting the Camden Beer Hall: Tours, Grub, and Events
For the ultimate Camden Town Brewery experience, a visit to the Camden Beer Hall is essential. This is the heart of the original operation and a vibrant social hub.
Located on Wilkin Street Mews, the Beer Hall is situated opposite Kentish Town station, making it easily accessible. It serves as a taproom, restaurant, and event space, offering the freshest possible beer straight from the source.
Visitors can:
- Take a Brewery Tour: Guided tours are available, providing an insight into the brewing process, the history of the company, and, of course, a tasting session of their famous brews.
- Enjoy Beer + Grub: The Beer Hall offers a full menu of food designed to pair perfectly with their range of lagers and ales.
- Attend Events: The venue regularly hosts special events, from watching major sporting fixtures like the Autumn Internationals to collaborating with local businesses, such as a bespoke amber beer created with Boopshi's.
The Beer Hall represents a crucial link to the brewery's origins, providing a tangible connection to the craft beer culture that Patrik Franzen first cultivated before the massive scale-up. It’s a place where the brand’s history and its future innovation, like the new Unfiltered Hells, meet.
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