The partnership of James Key & Son was probably established when James Key, the owner of the Crail Brewery, acquired the Anstruther Brewery from John Russell & Co in 1858, for £1,150. James's son, John Melville Key, ran the brewery until his death in 1874, when his brother William took over the running of the business.
When William retired in 1905 he sold off the Anstruther Brewery and associated aerated water interests, and handed over management of the Crail Brewery to his brother, Thomas. The business continued to operate until about 1914.
Location: Crail
Active: 1858 - 1914
Status: Closed
The Crail Brewery was situated on the High Street and consisted of a group of buildings organised around a courtyard.
The Anstruther Brewery was on Burial Brae, and consisted of a group of buildings organised around a courtyard.
Books and periodicals
Gibb, F. The brewers and breweries of Fife. Stirling: Lomax Press, 2012.
