W.H. Brakspear started his brewery in 1779 in Bell Street, Henley on Thames. In 1812 the brewery moved to the attractive Thames-side location on New Street. Beer brewing stopped in 2002 when the company decided to concentrate on its estate of public houses. Brakspeak beers are still brewed by Refresh UK, a company formed from Ushers that also took over Wychwood. As well as Brakspear beers the company brews several well known brands including Manns Brown Ale and the Ushers and Wychwood ranges for sale to the trade.