James Clay and Sons
For over forty years, we have helped shape the UK beer landscape by championing quality, independence and a relentless pursuit of flavour.
Heritage and independence
Passion for quality and flavour
Curated portfolio of leading breweries
Brewery to bar supply chain control
Our story & mission
It began in the late seventies with one man, Ian Clay, and his love of beers Britain had never seen. From a canal-side warehouse in Sowerby Bridge, he poured Dutch pilsners, German wheat beers, and bold Belgian ales that sparked curiosity and conversation.
With the support of his wife Ann and friend Andrew, Ian began importing these beers, first for his own bar, then for others across Yorkshire, and eventually nationwide. Demand grew, and so did the vision: not just to serve beer, but to discover, import, and share the world’s best.
That vision became James Clay & Sons—a family company rooted in Yorkshire, built on passion, independence, and a relentless pursuit of flavour. For over forty years we’ve championed the distinct and the exceptional, helping to shape the UK beer landscape while staying true to our roots.
From mills and hills to cellars and shelves, our mission remains the same: to bring the very best of beer to the people who love it.
Our vision & values
Our vision is to champion a beer world where quality and culture thrive. We want to deliver 30 million quality beer experiences a year by 2030. We’ll make that a reality by curating a portfolio that stands as a lighthouse for excellence, building scalable brands that cut through the noise, matching the quality of our service with the quality of our beers, and creating a working culture where people truly thrive.
Everything we do is guided by our values: we are professional, we are positive, we are caring, and we are honest.
Our core products
Belgian: Bacchus, Blanche, Boon, Brugse Zot, Chouffe, Chimay, Timmermans, Orval, Westmalle, St. Bernardus, Vedett, Delirium, Rochefort.
German: Ayinger, Augustiner, Flensburger, Früh, Schneider Weisse, Schöfferhofer, Warsteiner, Berliner Pilsner.
UK Craft: Arbor, Anspach & Hobday, Burning Sky, Burnt Mill, DEYA, The Kernel, Verdant, Yonder, Northern Monk, Red Fin Cider, Hogan’s Cider.
World: Budweiser Budvar, Lindeboom, Moritz, Super Bock, Mikkeller, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Athletic Brewing Co., Whitebox Cocktails, Karma Drinks, Pimentae.
Benefits & wellbeing
How we care for each other:
- Staff discount (20%) on our full range of products
- Pension scheme with Royal London (with app access)
- Employee sickness support (up to 4 weeks full pay in a 12‑month rolling period)
- Birthday day off
- Increased holidays with long service (up to +5 days)
- Option to buy up to 5 additional days annual leave per year
- A bonus linked to individual performance
- Eye test contribution and glasses if prescribed
- Tax‑free childcare (per Government scheme)
- Refer a friend scheme (£200 after 6 months)
- Bike to Work (Green Commute)
- Employee Assistance Programme (mental & physical wellbeing)
- Annual flu vaccine voucher
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption leave
- Extended bereavement leave
FAQs
James Clay & Sons is an independent, Yorkshire rooted family business built on a love of beers Britain had never seen. For over forty years we have championed the distinct and the exceptional, helping to shape the UK beer landscape while staying true to our roots. With our own warehouses, vehicles and draymen, we control quality from brewery to bar through a fully owned supply chain.
You will help bring the world’s finest beers to the capital and beyond, working with an exceptional portfolio of breweries and helping distinctive brands find their place in the city’s bars and cellars.
You will contribute to delivering 30 million quality beer experiences a year by 2030, matching the quality of service with the quality of the beers.
You will play your part in a family business shaped by over forty years of independence and pursuit of flavour.
Championing a beer world where quality and culture thrive.
Curating a portfolio that stands as a lighthouse for excellence.
Building scalable brands that cut through the noise.
Matching the quality of our service with the quality of our beers.
Creating a working culture where people truly thrive.
Commitment to DEI
Denholm are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience where everyone is treated with fairness, respect and transparency. We actively seek out talent from all backgrounds and assess every candidate on their skills, potential and ability to thrive. If you need any adjustments or support at any stage, we’ll work with you to ensure the process is accessible and inclusive.