Brentford Football Club has long prided itself on being more than just a football team; it’s a community institution, woven deep into the fabric of West London. On August 8, 2025, the club took another step in cementing that legacy, announcing the extension of its partnership with Asahi UK and London Pride until 2030, as reported by Brentford FC and other club sources. This renewed agreement ensures that fans at Gtech Community Stadium will continue to enjoy a selection of iconic beverages—Asahi, London Pride, and Meantime—on matchdays and at commercial events for years to come. But the announcement carries a weight far beyond what’s on tap; it’s a testament to a relationship that has endured for well over a century, bridging generations of supporters and local businesses.
From the outset, Brentford’s history has been closely intertwined with that of Fuller, Smith & Turner, the storied brewer behind London Pride and other beloved beers. The club’s roots stretch back to 1889, when it was founded at the Oxford & Cambridge Hotel. Over the decades, Brentford’s journey has been marked by a series of milestones that highlight the enduring connection between the team and its brewing partners. The site at Kew Bridge, now home to the bustling pre-match haunt One Over the Ait, remains owned by Fuller, Smith & Turner—a living reminder of those early days when the club’s fortunes and the local pub scene went hand in hand.
In the years following Brentford’s formation, the relationship with Fuller’s deepened in practical and symbolic ways. Players would use Fuller’s pubs—The Griffin, The Globe, and The Plough—as makeshift changing rooms on matchdays, a charming if somewhat unconventional arrangement that underscored the club’s integration with the local community. As Brentford’s ambitions grew and crowds swelled, the need for a proper stadium became apparent. In 1904, the club moved into Griffin Park, a ground built on an apple orchard that had been used by Fuller’s Brewery and leased to the club by Fuller, Smith & Turner. The naming of Griffin Park itself was a nod to the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, where London Pride is still brewed to this day.
It wasn’t just the stadium that bore the mark of Fuller’s. The Princess Royal pub, located near Griffin Park, was purchased from Fuller’s and transformed into the official club shop—a tangible symbol of the club’s close ties with its brewing benefactor. For decades, these connections have been celebrated by generations of fans, many of whom view a pint of London Pride as an essential part of the matchday experience.
The partnership entered a new era in 2020, when Asahi UK became a founder partner of the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford’s modern home. The move ensured that the club’s heritage would be honored even as it looked to the future, with Asahi UK’s flagship products—Asahi, London Pride, and Meantime—taking pride of place on the stadium’s menus. And the innovation hasn’t stopped there: starting with the 2025/26 season, Brentford will also serve Fuller’s award-winning Black Cab Stout, expanding the range of options available to thirsty supporters.
But perhaps the most poignant symbol of the club’s commitment to its roots came in March 2025, when Brentford opened the Brentford FC Orchard in Syon, near the historic site of Griffin Park. Fourteen apple and pear trees were planted as part of the club’s pledge to nurture biodiversity in the local community—a project partly funded by Asahi Group. The orchard represents a full-circle moment, harkening back to the apple orchard that once stood where Griffin Park was built and reinforcing the club’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement.
Fran Jones, Brentford’s commercial director, captured the spirit of the occasion, stating, “This is likely the longest-running partnership in football and demonstrates just how deep our roots run in the community. We’re delighted to be able to continue telling this story and serving these great products to our fans and visitors for several more years.” Her words echo the sentiment of many who see the partnership not just as a business arrangement, but as an essential thread in the tapestry of Brentford’s identity.
Rob Hobart, marketing director at Asahi UK&I, also emphasized the historic nature of the relationship, remarking, “The relationship between Brentford FC and the Fuller’s Griffin Brewery is truly historic, going back over many generations right back to the original naming of Griffin Park, and deeply rooted in the local community. We are delighted to be continuing this long-standing partnership, and look forward to what will hopefully be another successful season for the Bees.” His optimism is shared by both club officials and fans, who view the extension as a sign of stability and continuity at a time when football is often marked by rapid change and fleeting alliances.
While the details of the partnership may revolve around beverage supply and commercial agreements, the broader story is one of shared history, mutual support, and community spirit. The club’s association with Fuller’s and now Asahi UK has weathered the tests of time, surviving world wars, economic downturns, and the shifting sands of English football. Through it all, the partnership has remained a constant, providing both financial support and a sense of tradition that resonates with supporters old and new.
As Brentford looks ahead to the 2025/26 season and beyond, the club’s leadership is keenly aware of the importance of honoring its past while embracing the future. The decision to serve Fuller’s Black Cab Stout alongside established favorites like London Pride and Asahi is just one example of this balancing act, offering fans both continuity and innovation. The continued presence of Fuller’s and Asahi products at Gtech Community Stadium serves as a reminder that, for all the changes in modern football, some traditions are worth preserving.
The story of Brentford FC and its brewing partners is, at its core, a story about belonging—about the ways in which a football club can serve as a focal point for community life, and how local businesses can become more than just sponsors, but true partners in a shared journey. As the Bees prepare for another season, fans can raise a glass to a partnership that has stood the test of time and shows no sign of slowing down.
