This is my understanding of the Boddington's/ Whitbread situation, I'm sure others will correct me where I am wrong and where there are omissions:

Boddington's is (was) a traditional Manchester Brewery of really good beers. Some years ago Whitbread a really major player in the uk brewing industry became a substantial, then a major shareholder. This was financially good news for the brewery but seriously bad news for the drinkers of Manchester. Whitbread it should be said, have a reputation for brewing bland beers with little or no character. In the mid 70s Boddington's had a major quality problem with a huge batch of beer produced for the Christmas rush. They had a new member of staff who unfortunately made a mistake. (In the uk mistakes are not regarded as part of the learning curve.) Since that episode in the 70s, the beer quality / taste has certainly changed for the worst. All very sad. The good news is that such big-brewery antics have spawned loads of small breweries who produce some really excellent beers. Shame about Boddies though. Although they have a very high profile in the uk, I suppose there beer has had to be 'dumbed down' so there is more of a national appeal to it.

John