Cannon Brewery was established as a small brewery in 1838, and was first used by independent brewers Green & Hatfield.
Beer manufacturer William Stones had started brewing in 1847, after partnering with fellow brewer Joseph Watts. Following Watts’ death in 1854, Stones continued brewing by himself, and in 1868 he purchased the lease of the Neepsend Brewery and renamed it the ‘Cannon Brewery’.
Over the years, Cannon Brewery grew significantly as its reputation increased and sales prospered, to the extent that new offices, stores, workshops and cellars were all improved and developed. Stones Bitter was brewed at the Cannon Brewery from 1948 and became extremely popular with Sheffield’s steel workers. At its peak, the brewery produced 50,000 hectolitres of cask conditioned Stones each year and many of Sheffield’s public houses developed close ties to the brewery and Stones Bitter, which became a hit nationwide. The beer’s popularity reached its apex in 1992 when it was the country’s highest selling bitter, selling over a million barrels.
The marketing and sales offices on the brewery site were completed in 1958. A new £500,000 five storey brewhouse was operational by 1962, and was one of the most up to date in the country. An on-site public house was also opened within Cannon Brewery in 1964, originally named ‘The Underground’, but renamed as ‘The Pig and Whistle’ to service both visitors and workers.
Bass Brewery acquired William Stones Ltd in 1968, and used the site up until they moved production to another site, following reports that were indicative of a substantial decline in the sale of cask ales.
Cannon Brewery closed for good in 1999, and has remained a derelict.
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Our First explore in the Steel City! Nice, easy access to this huge and historic site.
This explore was fantastic. The place is huge, Just what we like to have a wander around. However, the place is covered with some top level urban art, which is always enjoyable to view, Also beautiful view from top of roof to see of Steel City!
