By Peter Wells, Chief Executive Officer
As we mark 150 years since my Great-Great Grandfather Charles Wells first opened the doors of his brewery on Horne Lane in Bedford, it is a moment to reflect on a remarkable journey and to recognise the people who have shaped it.
Over the last century and a half, countless individuals have contributed to Wells & Co – colleagues, pub teams, Pub Partner operators, family members, and all those who have shared our commitment to exceptional service. It is their dedication, every day and across generations, that has built the business we celebrate today.
From its origins with Charles Wells – a young man who left the Merchant Navy to settle in Bedford and invest in a riverside brewery – Wells & Co has grown through ambition, resilience, and craft. Over 150 years, we have faced wars, economic challenges, and shifts in the hospitality landscape. Each time, our people, pubs, and products have enabled us to adapt, recover, and thrive. That consistency of quality, service, and care has become part of who we are.
The move to Brewpoint in 2020 marked another significant stage in our journey. This purpose-built brewery is a symbol of both our heritage and our confidence in the future. It allows us to produce beers that reflect our history while also innovating and experimenting, staying relevant to today’s customers without losing sight of the values that have carried us through generations. Being independent allows us to maintain control over quality and creativity, ensuring the business is well positioned for the long term.
Wells & Co – Reflective of our heritage but continually looking forward
Our pubs remain the heart of Wells & Co. Across more than 180 sites in the UK and France, each pub has its own character, size, and offer. Some are bustling city locals, others quaint country retreats. What unites them all, and the people who run them, is passion, commitment, and a drive to deliver exceptional hospitality every day. From our colleagues on the frontline, to our Pub Partner operators, to the central support teams working behind the scenes, everyone shares the same focus: serving our customers, building strong communities, and maintaining the standards that define Wells & Co.
We know the hospitality industry can be challenging, and recent years have tested everyone working in it. We have endured similar challenges before, and each time we have emerged stronger. What carries us forward today is the same combination that has done so for generations: brilliant people, outstanding pubs, and products we are proud to serve.
Sustainability and long-term stewardship have always been central to our family business. We are committed to leaving Wells & Co in a strong, thriving position for the next generation – a business that remains independent, innovative, and community-focused. That commitment guides our decisions, from our pubs to our brewery, from our people to our planet.
Exciting times ahead for our business and for Bedford
As we look ahead, this 150th year is not just about celebrating the past. It is about safeguarding the business, evolving what we offer, and preparing for the next generation. Our hometown in Bedford is entering an exciting period with the arrival of Universal Studios (which I still smile about every time I say that!), bringing millions more visitors to the town each year. We see this as an opportunity to continually enhance the delivery of world-class hospitality, working alongside a global operator to ensure we bring the best of Bedford to the world stage.
This anniversary is a moment to recognise the past, acknowledge the people who have made the business what it is today, and focus on the future. It is a chance to safeguard and strengthen what we have built, continue to deliver exceptional hospitality, and evolve in ways that will ensure Wells & Co thrives for generations to come.
Thank you to everyone – past and present, colleagues and partners, suppliers and shareholders – who has contributed to this business. Together, we have built something enduring, and together, we will continue to carry Wells & Co forward for another 150 years.
