Good news! St Austell Brewery has claimed their Breakroom profile.
They care about what their frontline employees think and want to be a good employer.
Dismiss
St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery is a brewing company based in Cornwall. They specialise in beer.
About St Austell Brewery, in their own words:
Creating great experiences all year round through people with passion, places that inspire and products that delight.
We’ve been crafting brilliant beer and welcoming guests into our pubs across the South West for over 170 years. Proud of our past and inspired by the future, we’re continuing to brew great experiences – one pint, one pub, and one generation at a time. Founded in 1851 as Walter Hicks Wine & Spirits, our story began with a spirit of independence and a passion for great hospitality. Just over a decade later, Walter brewed his first pint at the Seven Stars Inn and laid the foundations for what would become St Austell Brewery.
Nearly 175 years later, that same pioneering spirit continues to shape who we are. From crafting award-winning beers to welcoming guests into our growing family of pubs, we’re proud of our past and excited about what’s to come.
The best things about working at St Austell Brewery
- 82% say they don’t do unpaid extra work
- 75% say they get paid above average
- 68% say they have respectful managers
Featured by St Austell Brewery, based on 123 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz
What St Austell Brewery says
Perks of working at St Austell Brewery from St Austell Brewery
- 😍 Pub Teams - £150 towards stays in our pubs
- 🍔 Pub Teams - £10 towards food on shift
- 🍝 30% off Food and Drink within our pubs and visitors centre
- 🗓️ 50% discount on accommodation within our pubs
- 💵 Competitive Pension
- 🏠 Healthcare Scheme
Company values from St Austell Brewery
Sustainability:
We’re proud of our heritage and passionate about protecting our future. Our sustainability strategy, Crafting a Brighter Future, puts people, places and partnerships at the heart of how we do business. With ambitious goals and real action already underway, we’re focused on building a thriving South West for generations to come: protecting places that inspire, crafting partnerships that matter and championing people with passion.
https://internal.staustellbrewery.co.uk/about-us/sustainability
Featured roles from St Austell Brewery
-
Chef
Are you an ambitious Chef with experience of working in a fast-paced environment? Join our talented kitchen team and you’ll be working alongside passionate people, cooking with locally sourced produce to provide quality food that delights our guests.
-
Assistant Manager
As an assistant manager, your days will be varied and your outlook will be some of the most picturesque sites in the South West. With dedicated training programmes, if your goal is to become a GM then together, we can make it happen!
What St Austell Brewery employees say
123 St Austell Brewery employees have taken the Breakroom Quiz and told us what it’s really like to work there. Here’s everything they have told us:
Breakroom Rating for St Austell Brewery
Pay
-
Okay
-
Only some people are paid a living wage
Do St Austell Brewery pay a living wage?
Some people are not paid a living wage.
How we know this
36% of people say they are paid below the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone should be paid enough to live on.
The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.
The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.
Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.
Good
-
Most people are paid market rates
Do St Austell Brewery pay market rates?
Most people are paid above average for their job.
How we know this
75% of people are paid above average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.
Good
-
Everyone is paid the same, whatever their age
Do St Austell Brewery pay the same regardless of age?
Yes, people under the age of 21 get paid the same as those above 21.
See what St Austell Brewery pays different age groupsHow we know this
The average pay of under 21s is the same as those above 21.Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2024 and February 2026.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do workers at St Austell Brewery get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
90% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should have paid breaks.
You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.
Needs improving
-
Most people don’t get sick pay
Do St Austell Brewery pay sick pay?
No. Most people don’t get proper sick pay.
How we know this
71% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.
At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.
This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.
Good
-
Most people don’t do unpaid extra work
Do workers at St Austell Brewery do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
82% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
-
Needs improving
-
Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at St Austell Brewery?
Most people don’t get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 68% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 20% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 6% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 6% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 50 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Okay
-
Some people worry about their hours
Do workers at St Austell Brewery worry about hours?
Some people worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
47% of people report they worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
-
Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do St Austell Brewery workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
37% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
-
Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for St Austell Brewery workers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
51% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Good
-
Easy to book holiday
How easy is it to book a holiday at St Austell Brewery?
Most people find it easy to book holiday.
How we know this
73% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.
Okay
-
Shifts can get changed at short notice
Do St Austell Brewery managers change shifts at short notice?
Some managers change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
44% of people say their manager changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 43 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Good
-
Most people find it easy to take sick leave
How easy is it to take sick leave at St Austell Brewery?
Most people find it easy to take sick leave.
How we know this
70% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 46 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.
A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.
Needs improving
-
People work a lot more hours than their contract
Do people work the same number they are contracted for at St Austell Brewery?
Most people work a lot more hours than their contact..
How we know this
79% of people report working 8 hours or more than their contract.Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
At a good job, you should expect to work about the same number of hours that your contract guarantees you, most of the time.
It’s useful to pick up or drop a few shifts here and there, but if you often work a lot more hours every week than you’re contracted for, a good job should guarantee them.
This means you’re more likely to know when you’ll be working and how much you’ll earn in advance.
Good
-
Most students say it’s good
Is a St Austell Brewery job good for students?
Most students say this is a good place to work if you’re studying.
How we know this
71% of students report this is a good place to work if you’re studying.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between October 2023 and August 2025.
Why this matters
A good job should allow you to fit work around important things in your life, like studying.
Life isn’t just about work. Good jobs make space for you to do well in both.
Okay
-
Only some parents say it’s good
Is working at St Austell Brewery good if you’re a parent or carer?
Only some parents and carer say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
60% of people who care for a child or other relative report this isn’t a good place to work.Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
Workplace
-
Good
-
Most people feel treated with respect
Do people at St Austell Brewery feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
68% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 47 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.
Okay
-
Only some people get proper breaks
Do people at St Austell Brewery get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
48% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.
Needs improving
-
Most people are stressed
Is it stressful to work at St Austell Brewery?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
80% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 51 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.
Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.
Okay
-
Only some people enjoy their job
Do people at St Austell Brewery enjoy their jobs?
Only some people enjoy their job.
How we know this
39% of people report they don’t enjoy their job.Based on data from 49 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and February 2026.
Okay
-
Only some people recommend their team
Do people at St Austell Brewery recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
50% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 30 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job means enjoying the place where you work.
The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.
If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.
Okay
-
Only some people get enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at St Austell Brewery?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
51% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 53 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.
This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.
It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.
Okay
-
Only some people get support to progress
Are people given support to progress at St Austell Brewery?
Only some people are given support to progress here.
How we know this
In the last year, 54% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.
This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.
Needs improving
-
Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do people think St Austell Brewery head office understands what's happening where they work?
Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
How we know this
75% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.Based on data from 52 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.
To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.
Okay
-
Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do workers feel well informed about how St Austell Brewery is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
49% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2024 and February 2026.
Why this matters
At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.
You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.
St Austell Brewery job reviews
-
Best thing
There isn't anything
Worst thing
Management lack of communication and not listening
LGV driver at St Austell Brewery, October 2025
-
Best thing
The Pay, The People
Worst thing
Lack of flexibility with shifts, not given enough notice for shifts, incredibly hard to book Holidays
Front of house at St Austell Brewery, November 2024
-
Reply from Recruitment Coordinator at St Austell Brewery, December 2024
Hi, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I'm sure you will have already spoken with your line manager about your working pattern but if you would like to discuss your concerns, please do email the HR team on hr@staustellbrewery.co.uk. Best wishes, Polly Ryan, Senior Talent & Resourcing Manager.
-
More about pubs and bars
St Austell Brewery ranks joint 49th to work for out of pubs and bars.
- 49= ARC Inspirations
- 49= St Austell Brewery
- 49= Greene King Farmhouse Inns
Rankings are based on Breakroom Ratings for employers with 20 or more Breakroom Quiz responses, accurate as of 6 March 2026.