THE end of a great Ulverston tradition left a bitter taste 25 years ago as the last beer was brewed at Hartley’s.

November 8 in 1991 was the last day of brewing on an Ulverston site whose future is still uncertain after a series of planning rows over its potential use as a supermarket.

The end of the Ulverston-brewed pint of Hartley’s did not come without a fight.

On November 8 the front page of the Evening Mail reported on a last-ditch appeal to make owners Robinson’s of Stockport to change their mind.

The paper noted: “Furness real ale lovers made a desperate last bid to save Hartley’s today as the Ulverston brewery produced its last ale.

“Members of the Campaign for Real Ale drove to Stockport to present a 3,000-signature petitions appealing to owners Robinson’s not to transfer brewing to Cheshire.”

The petition to keep production of Hartley’s beers local had been around pubs in Ulverston and Barrow and had attracted names from all over the country.

Graham Donning, chairman of Furness Camra said in 1991: “People are astounded at the thought of losing Hartley’s brewery.

“It’s synonymous with Ulverston and the Lakes “Brewing Hartley’s in Cheshire would be like buying mushy peas in London.”

The announcement of the closure date had come in the Evening Mail on October 10.

It noted: “Brewing of Hartley’s beer finally ends on November 8, the brewer’s parents company Robinson’s announced today.

“The end comes after 250 years of brewing in Ulverston, with production being transferred to Robinson’s brewery in Stockport.

“It means the well-known Hartley’s ales will no longer have the right to bear the hallmark ‘The Taste of the Lakes’.

“In future, Hartley’s ales brewed in Stockport will just carry the description ‘Traditional Ale’.

“Individual brand names will, however, remain.

“Fellrunners Gold was now selling well all over the country, especially in West Cumbria, general manager Richard Dubulbeis said yesterday.”