Anheuser-Busch InBev announced today plans to close the Stag Brewery, their brewery in London. Situated in the Mortlake District on the River Thames, it’s part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and is on the south bank of the River Thames between Kew and Barnes with East Sheen inland to the south. It’s one of England’s oldest brewing sites and is also the largest brewery in London today. Once a Watney’s brewery, the present structure was originally built in the 19th century, though exactly when is uncertain. There may have been brewing on the site as early as the 15th century. Martyn Cornell at Zythophile has a typically thorough history of the place from June of this year.

The decision was made because of a “restructuring of its operations in the United Kingdom,” according to A-BIB. British InBev Spokeswoman Rebecca Mowling also mentions “’synergies’ arising from the $52 billion November takeover of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch.”

It currently employs 182, brewing Budweiser, Bud Ice and Michelob Ultra. Pending union negotiations, under the present plan it will close next year, in 2010.

The Stag Brewery on the River Thames, right at the finishing line for the famous annual Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race.