Brewer Changing Times hits UK market with sales set to jump 30%

The group's products will initially be available in 50 venues in Britain

Willie Aherne (The Palace Bar Dublin), Shane Long (Franciscan Well Brewery Cor) and Patrick J. Rigney (The Shed Distillery Leitrim) at the announcement of Changing Times' expansion into the UK market. Picture Julien Behal

Independent brewery Changing Times has entered the British drinks market, predicting the group's expansion there will help sales grow by over 30% this year.

The Glasnevin-headquartered drinks group, founded by Cork brewer Shane Long and prominent publicans from Dublin and Cork including, Crane Lane and owner of Cork's 'Heritage Trail' pubs Benny McCabe, will see its products distributed by UK wholesale drinks supplier Inn Express, with initial listings secured across more than 50 outlets in Britain. 

“Things moved much quicker than we expected. We had always planned to expand into the UK, but our timeline was a little further down the road," said Changing Times head of brewing operations Mr Long, who also operated the Franciscan Well on Cork's North Mall, and is a founder of another microbrewery, Original 7.

"The team at Inn Express came across Changing Times while visiting pubs over here. They were searching for a new premium Irish stout, and they got in touch. From those first conversations it was clear there was a real appetite for what we were doing. It was an opportunity we didn’t want to let pass, so we brought our plans forward and got to work.”

Changing Times launched in Ireland in November 2024, and generated over €1.2m in sales in 2025, with demand hitting 200 kegs per week. From an initial two beers upon launching, Changing Times has expanded its five draught offerings, including Daydreamer Lager, Clockwork Stout, After Hours Hazy Pale Ale, Bleedin’ Red Ale, and Timeless Nitro Red Ale. 

Some of Dublin's best known publicans are part owners of Changing Times, including the operators of The Palace Bar, The Long Hall, The Swan, The Bankers, Arthur Mayne’s, Devitts, Doheny & Nesbitts, Sheehans, Lemon & Duke, The Bridge 1859, The Blackrock, The Bank, McSorley’s, Darkey Kelly’s, and The Ferryman. 

Changing Times products are available in Mr McCabe's Cork venues Fran Well Rising Sons Brewery, and The Fountain on Grand Parade. It is also available in the Shed Distillery in Drumbshambo, Co Leitrim which is owned by the Rigney family. Pat Rigney is the chair of the Changing Times group. 

Changing Times director Willie Aherne, owner of Dublin's The Palace said: “The response in Ireland so far has exceeded all expectations and we are continuing to grow our presence in pubs and venues across the country."