Shipstones Brewery

James Shipstone & Sons was the name of a brewery based in New Basford in Nottingham, England that opened in 1852 and finally closed in 1991. The company produced the Shipstones brand of beer, known locally as Shippos.

The company was founded by James Shipstone in 1852. The company's offices and brewery were based at the Shipstones 'Star' Brewery in the New Basford area of Nottingham. The brewery earned the nickname of 'Star' brewery because of the distinctive red illuminated star which stood at the top of the brewery's tower which could be seen for many miles around.

The brewery remained an independent family business until 1978 when the company was purchased by Greenalls of Warrington who also purchased a number of other breweries from neighbouring towns and cities. Greenalls introduced minor changes to the production of the various Shipstones beers and increased the marketing of the company, in 1987 Shipstones became the main shirt sponsor of Nottingham Forest Football Club, in an arrangement which continued until 1993.

In 1990, Greenalls announced that they were ending all beer production and becoming a retailer only company. Production at Shipstones Brewery ended in early 1991 after 139 years. The Shipstones brand continued to be produced for some years afterwards at breweries in Burton upon Trent.

Today the company offices have been taken over, while some housing and retail units have been constructed on other parts of the site. The landmark Art Deco building remains standing and has been earmarked for conversion into offices.

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