CAMRA has condemned Asahi’s decision to close the Dark Star Brewery site in Partridge Green due to the current economic climate.

CAMRA national director Gillian Hough said: “Moving the production of Dark Star from the brewery’s home in West Sussex is cause for great sorrow and sadness.

“Dark Star is a brewery that is close to many CAMRA member’s hearts, and this decision is yet another example of global brewers playing chess with their assets. 

“Dark Star is an award-winning brewery. Continuing the production of Dark Star’s range from the Meantime Brewery in Greenwich is certainly preferable to it disappearing altogether – but it is unclear how traditional cask production will fit into Meantime’s portfolio as this is not something it currently does.

“Consumers will want assurances that the long-term future of Dark Star’s beers – including special and seasonal ones – won’t be at risk.

“Years of consolidation of large parts of the brewing industry into the hands of a few global players has been to the detriment of our brewing heritage.

“This worrying trend of further domination of global brewers is putting choice at the bar and the diversity of British beer at risk and needs constant monitoring by the UK’s competition authorities.”

Asahi said it plans to cease trading at Dark Star's current site at the end of the year. The company said it was committed to Dark Star and planned to build on its success.

Dark Star, which began in the basement of the Evening Star pub in Brighton before expanding and brewing in West Sussex, is regarded as one of the most influential microbreweries prior to becoming part of Fuller’s and then Asahi.

Earlier this month Asahi announced the revival of one of Britain’s most renowned strong ales Gale's Prize Old Ale (pictured) at the Dark Star brewery. It is not yet known where it will now be brewed.