Charles Wells

Wells & Co. is an independent, family-owned brewing and pub company headquartered in Bedford, in the heart of Bedfordshire, England. Established in 1876, the business has a heritage spanning nearly 150 years, during which time it has built a strong reputation for brewing quality ales and operating a distinctive estate of managed and tenanted pubs across England and France. The company operates in two primary areas: beer production and pub estate management, with both pillars deeply intertwined in its brand identity and commercial strategy.

On the brewing side, Wells & Co. produces a range of award-winning beers under the Charlie Wells brand, with all production taking place at Brewpoint, its state-of-the-art brewing facility located in Bedford. Brewpoint serves not only as the company's main production site but also houses a taproom open to the public and the business's head office, making it a destination in its own right. The brewery reflects the company's commitment to quality and innovation in British ale production, and its beers are available both on-site and throughout its pub network.

Wells & Co. manages an estate of almost 200 pubs across England and France, making it one of the more significant independent pub operators in the UK. Each pub in the estate is designed to offer a unique experience, with the company emphasising individuality across its sites rather than a standardised chain approach. The focus is on high-quality food and drink, warm hospitality, and memorable customer experiences. The company also operates Wells & Co. France, an expanding pub estate in several French cities, bringing the traditional British pub experience to continental Europe.

As a vertically integrated operator — brewing its own beer and running its own pubs — Wells & Co. occupies a distinctive position in the UK on-trade market. Its long history, independent ownership, and dual focus on craft brewing and pub operations make it a notable supplier and partner for those operating within the licensed trade, hospitality, and beverage sectors. The company's emphasis on quality, innovation, and individuality positions it as a differentiated player among regional UK brewers and pub companies.