The Kestrel Story Kestrel lager was a hugely popular and successful brand in the 1980s and 1990s when it was supported with much-enjoyed advertising campaigns featuring the comedians and actors Hugh Laurie and Russ Abbot. Having maintained a loyal following in subsequent years, in 2012 its quality and potential were recognised by Nigel McNally, the MD of the then brand owner, who decided to take the bold step of purchasing the Kestrel lager beer brand and setting up the Kestrel Brewing Company in order to nurture and develop it.