Time has finally been called on an historic Oxfordshire brewery. Brakspear brewery in Henley is brewing its final vats of beer, ending a tradition stretching back more than 220 years.

The site will be closed by the end of 2002 and Refresh UK, the new owners of Brakspear, are drawing up a shortlist of three possible new locations for the brewery.

Brakspear spokesman Graham Stewart-Reed said: "We have beer in the production process but we won't be brewing any more.

"We've not come to a final halt as we're still bottling beer under contract, but that will stop by the end of the year."

Production will be switched temporarily to Refresh UK's Burtonwood brewery in Warrington, Cheshire.

Brakspear brewer Peter Scholey said: "Recreating Brakspear's beers so they are indistinguishable from the present brews is our goal. We're doing everything in our power to create the perfect match."

But some ales, like the Christmas special Oh Be Joyful, will be brewed at the Wychwood Brewery in Witney, also owned by Refresh UK.

About 35 jobs will be lost as a result of the closure.

Meanwhile, Refresh UK has received more than 80 leads from people, after asking for suggestions for a new site.

Chief executive Rupert Thompson said: "There are nine sites on our shortlist, all of which are in south Oxfordshire and within 15 miles of Henley.

"We originally thought we would have to build on a greenfield site but all nine are in attractive, mature surroundings and will incorporate listed buildings.

"Detailed negotiations will begin shortly with our top three and we hope to announce the future brewery site early next year."

Brewery equipment will be transferred from the Henley site to the new location to help keep the distinctive flavour of the beers.

Falling sales and pressure to offer discounts has caused the closure. Brakspear will continue as a pub company while Refresh UK, takes over the brewing, sales and marketing of Brakspear beers.