Master Brewer - Autumn 2015

Master

BREWER

www.shepherdneame.co.uk Autumn 2015

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE It has been another busy six months for Shepherd Neame, with much to celebrate in this issue.

A major milestone was the reopening of the Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells following an extensive redesign. Our largest single refurbishment project to date, it is a significant investment not just in the hotel, but the local area. We have created more than 20 new hospitality and catering roles, and are confident that the new look hotel will prove a popular destination for leisure and business guests.

We continue to invest in improvements across the pub estate, supporting our licensees with numerous refurbishment projects. Most recently, the Grove Ferry near Canterbury and the Abbey Hotel in Battle benefitted from major makeovers. We are also always on the lookout for opportunities to add high quality outlets to our retail estate. We have just bought two new sites in Kent boasting unique waterside locations; riverside pub The Anchor at Yalding near Maidstone, and The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie, which offers breathtaking sea views.

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In addition to investing in the fabric of the estate, we feel it is important to continue reinventing the experience on offer by tapping into current trends.

This edition of Master Brewer outlines some innovative new menus which are proving successful at our pubs.

Significant investment is also being made in our brands portfolio. We have launched Spitfire Gold, a golden ale that will be a permanent addition to the Spitfire brand.

We hope it will be a hit, as the popularity of golden ale continues to soar. We have also introduced Angry Orchard, America’s best-selling brand of hard cider, in the UK for the first time.

Jonathan Neame Chief Executive @jbneame

TWO NEW PUBS BOAST GREAT WATERSIDE LOCATIONS Two Kent pubs in unique waterside locations have been added to our estate; the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie and The Anchor at Yalding.

Boasting panoramic views across Minnis Bay, one of the finest beaches in North Kent, the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie is open every day and evening.

Customers can relax in the comfortable surroundings of the family-friendly restaurant, or when the weather is fine, dine alfresco on the terrace and large garden area overlooking the sea.

Dine alfresco at the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie

Open every day and evening, the pub is popular with those using kayaks and small boats on the river, as there are moorings just upstream of the site, which is surrounded by water on two sides at Hampstead Lock.

Both pubs offer a varied menu of light bites and traditional pub classics, with all dishes cooked on site using locally sourced produce wherever possible.

The Anchor at Yalding is a 14th century thatch roofed pub situated on the River Medway, a few minutes from the village of Yalding near Maidstone.

Minnis Bay

The Anchor at Yalding

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PUB AWARD WINNERS REVEALED

2015 WINNERS Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year – Sarah and Graham Firth: The Three Lions, Farncombe Lifetime Achievement – Les Koncsik: Crown & Anchor, Faversham Managed Business of the Year – Ian and Alison Farlane: Botany Bay Hotel, Kingsgate Tenanted Pub of the Year – Alessandro and Barbara Tinti: Imperial, Southborough Manager of the Year – Brendan McBride: Sun Inn, Faversham New Licensee of the Year – Peter and Gill Allen: Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne Restaurant of the Year – Angelena and Greg Churcher: The Plough, Upper Dicker

Winners of the 2015 Shepherd Neame Pub Awards

Pub Food of the Year – Elsie Innes and Jordan Apps: The Peacock, Goudhurst

The Three Lions, Farncombe was crowned Pub of the Year in the annual Shepherd Neame Pub Awards.

Turnaround / Transformation Pub of the Year – Simon and Tanya Causton: Caxton Arms, Brighton

It was among 13 of the brewery’s pubs and hotels across London and the South East honoured in a glittering ceremony at the Conningbrook Hotel in Ashford.

Awards were given for various aspects of running a successful pub, such as pouring the perfect pint, serving consistently great food and being at the heart of the local community.

Beer Hero – Glenn Hollingworth: Gate Inn, Marshside

Overall winners Graham and Sarah Firth of The Three Lions, Farncombe with chief executive Jonathan Neame

The Three Lions’ accolade pays tribute to the dedication of first-time licensees Sarah and Graham Firth after the pub was gutted by a blaze in February 2014, just four weeks into their tenure and following a significant refurbishment.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “These awards are a well-deserved celebration of the hard work, dedication, and creativity put in by our licensees and managers, who ensure Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels offer customers a distinctive experience.”

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Wine Pub of the Year – Tom and Karensa Miller: Zetland Arms, Kingsdown Heart of the Community Pub of the Year – Dawn and Tony James: The Telegraph, Deal Best Floral Display – Carol and Kevin James: The Plough, Lewson Street

COOKING UP A STORM WITH TASTY ON-TREND MENUS Pubs across Shepherd Neame’s estate are capitalising on the consumer appetite for gourmet burgers and smokehouse food.

There is a new menu at the Poyntz Arms in East Molesey, following a £100,000 refurbishment.

Diners at the Poyntz Arms

Licensees Michael O’Reilly and son Corey took over the Surrey pub in April this year. They have introduced food at the pub for the first time, offering a delicious barbecue and grill menu.

Michael is currently looking after the cooking, while Corey is looking after the front-of-house activities.

PUB NEWS Michael said: “We are really enjoying it. Our food offer has proved a hit with customers who want to enjoy the latest food trends in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Dan Sidders and Gareth Finney

Meanwhile, licensee Gareth Finney, who runs five Shepherd Neame pubs with business partner Dan Sidders, triumphed at this year’s British Barbecue Battle with his Mexican-influenced entry.

He won the Pubs and Bars category in the competition and was also named overall champion.

Gareth, 36, who has worked as a chef for almost 20 years, said: “I decided to go for a Mexican theme, as I wanted to show people that it has the potential to be á la carte, not just ‘Tex Mex’ as it is often described. I also hoped that by demonstrating this high standard of food can be created under pressured conditions, it would encourage people to try out what is on offer in our pubs.”

The brewery’s beers are also being served at some of the country’s top gourmet burger and grill restaurants. The Whitstable Bay Collection, Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Asahi are available at Bone Daddies, Burger & Lobster, Bodean’s BBQ, Tom’s Kitchens and the UK’s first Smith & Wollensky.

The Sportsman in Seasalter near Whitstable was named Gastropub of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards 5

RIVERSIDE PUB FULFILS ITS POTENTIAL Charming riverside pub the Grove Ferry near Canterbury has reopened following a major refurbishment project.

The pub has been completely repainted inside and outside, and stylishly decorated with rustic furniture and accessories.

It boasts an unique location, situated in the picturesque Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve on the banks of the Great Stour river.

There has been some major remodelling work, with new additions including a taproom, open kitchen and garden bar.

Its six bedrooms have also been refurbished, along with the large riverside Boathouse function room, a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

The new look bar at the Grove Ferry

MAJOR MAKEOVER FOR POPULAR LOCAL A £130,000 refurbishment project has been completed at The Duke of Edinburgh in Barming, near Maidstone.

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Work at the traditional community pub, which dates back to 1868, included painting the pub inside and outside, and laying new flooring throughout.

The toilets were completely refurbished and a cosy new snug area has been created for an intimate drink.

New seating has also been installed on the pub’s rear terrace.

ENJOY A STYLISH STAY AT THE ABBEY HOTEL

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Situated opposite the impressive gateway to Battle Abbey in East Sussex, the Abbey Hotel is perfectly located for visitors to the historic area.

All eight bedrooms in the historic Grade II listed building have been given a sophisticated new look, with stylish new furniture, fixtures and fittings.

And guests can be assured that its accommodation offers the very latest in modern comforts, following the recent completion of a £100,000 makeover.

The pub’s exterior has also been repainted, with traditional signwriting added, and new lighting.

EXTENSIVE REDESIGN FOR TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL The Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells has reopened following an extensive refurbishment project.

It is the single largest programme of work to date for Britain’s oldest brewer, and took a total of four months to complete. Work included replacing the restaurant with The Brasserie, a spacious orangery.

The hotel’s reception area has been refurbished and the layout changed so guests can move freely into the main bar, which has also enjoyed a revamp, with character features added including a cosy new Library area.

The new look reception area

Four additional en-suite bedrooms have been added to the hotel, taking the total to 27, and every room has been refurbished in a contemporary, elegant style with bold splashes of colour.

Building on its popularity as a functions venue, the hotel’s Ephraim Suite on the ground floor has been expanded.

Consideration has been made for guests with disabilities, with a platform lift installed to allow wheelchair access, and the toilets updated. The Alexandra function room on the first floor has also been given a fresh new look.

A permanent memorial to pioneering black boxer Bill Richmond has been unveiled

by Earl George Percy at the Tom Cribb pub in London

RBISHMENTS A feature bedroom

This year’s Wheelie Bin Race at the Three Horseshoes pub in Hernhill raised over for charity Enjoy fine dining in the Wells Brasserie

£3,000

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GOLDEN ERA FOR SPITFIRE ALE One of the UK’s most popular beer brands, Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale, has made an exciting new addition to its range – Spitfire Gold.

Spitfire Gold (4.1% abv) is a well-balanced, light golden ale.

Its sweet malt base is built upon with delicate floral and pine aromas imparted by some of the more popular hops of the moment, including Centennial and Saaz.

Spitfire brand manager William Upfield said: “We feel that Spitfire Gold is a fitting way to honour those heroes who fought bravely in the Battle of Britain and celebrate the Spitfire plane itself, a Great British icon.”

Spitfire Gold is now available in cask nationwide.

AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING CIDER COMES TO THE UK Angry Orchard was first introduced in the US in 2011, and its Crisp Apple style (5% abv) soon became the country’s number one hard cider.

A combination of French bittersweet and Italian culinary apples are used in the drink, which is woodaged during the fermentation process to add subtle spice and vanilla notes.

Crisp and refreshing, with low carbonation, Angry Orchard is amber in colour, and features a fresh apple aroma and a slightly sweet, ripe apple flavour.

Angry Orchard is available on draught in good pubs, restaurants and bars, and will be available in 330ml and 500ml bottles from October.

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The RAF Spitfire Rugby Sevens

SPITFIRE SOARS INTO ACTION FOR SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY Spitfire Kentish Premium Ale is undertaking a mammoth year-long fundraising campaign for the RAF Benevolent Fund during 2015 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Limited edition bottles of Spitfire Ale, featuring the heart roundel of the RAF Benevolent Fund on their crown instead of the traditional RAF roundel, are currently available nationwide. Their back labels encourage drinkers to donate £3 to the RAF Benevolent Fund by texting the word SPITFIRE to 70660.

Spitfire has also produced limited edition RAF Benevolent Fund Spitfire t-shirts priced £10, available online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.

There are also 75th anniversary wristbands, priced £2, available from selected Shepherd Neame pubs in London and the South East.

Brand manager Will Upfield said: “Spitfire Ale is a proud partner of the RAF and RAF Benevolent Fund, and we hope that as many people as possible will support us in our year of fundraising to mark this significant anniversary.”

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CELEBRATING BEER DAY BRITAIN Beer lovers across the country raised a glass in a celebration of the nation’s favourite tipple on the first Beer Day Britain – including staff at Shepherd Neame.

Licensees and managers at Shepherd Neame pubs also rang their last orders bells at 12.15pm and encouraged customers to raise a glass to Beer Day Britain.

The national ‘cheers to beer’ took place at 12.15pm on June 15, chosen as it was the date in 1215 that the Magna Carta was sealed, the historic document which established the rule of law and defined the traditional pint of ale: “There shall be but one Measure throughout the Realm”.

A commemorative beer was created for the occasion, 1215 (8% abv), a traditional strong English ale infused with medieval ale ingredients such as Mugwort, Yarrow, Woodruff and Fennel.

The bottle-conditioned beer is presented in a traditional amber 750ml bottle. Only 1,215 have been released, each encased within a presentation box bearing the signature of brewery president Robert Neame. It is exclusively available from the brewery shop and online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.

Staff at Shepherd Neame celebrate Beer Day Britain

CELEBRATE THE KENT HOP HARVEST Don’t miss the chance to taste this year’s batch of Shepherd Neame’s Green Hop Ale (4.2% abv).

It is brewed every year for the Kent Green Hop Beer Fortnight at the end of September, which involves more than 20 brewers in Kent including the Ramsgate Brewery, Westerham Brewery and Canterbury Brewers.

Instead of the usual dried hops, the beer uses fresh, or green Kentish hops within 12 hours of being picked. It showcases the full array of flavours and aromas usually lost in the drying process.

Green Hop Ale is among the limited edition, innovative beers on offer from No.18 Yard Brewhouse, and will be available on draught in Shepherd Neame pubs and freehouses around Kent until mid-October.

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Celebrate your special day at the Botany Bay Hotel

Credit: Debbie Sanderson Wedding Photography

CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH SHEPHERD NEAME More and more couples are choosing to celebrate the most special day of their lives at a Shepherd Neame hotel.

During the past 12 months, well over 100 wedding celebrations have taken place at our brewery and seven premium hotels across Kent: The Botany Bay and The Royal Albion in Broadstairs, The George in Cranbrook, The Marine in Whitstable, The Bell in Sandwich, The Royal Wells in Tunbridge Wells or The Royal in Deal. Countless other wedding receptions have also taken place within our pubs and inns.

All are licensed wedding venues, able to offer a complete package for the big day, with a choice of function suites and menus to suit every budget, along with a wide selection of stylish en-suite

bedrooms, from single to family accommodation. Every hotel has a team of dedicated wedding and events managers to ensure that the process is made as easy as possible, so the big day is planned to perfection.

Retail operations manager Graeme Endacott said: “We are delighted that so many couples are choosing our hotels for their wedding celebrations.

“Whether a couple is planning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, or a lavish celebration, we are confident that we can provide the perfect venue and dedicated personal service to ensure the tailor-made wedding day of their dreams.”

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LIONS ENJOY A ROARING RECEPTION A dozen former British and Irish Rugby Lions – and supermodel Jodie Kidd – were among a group of 100 cyclists to enjoy lunch at Shepherd Neame.

They stopped off at the brewery while completing the Ride Of The Lions Waterloo 200, a 200 mile charity cycle ride to mark the 200th anniversary of the historic battle.

The ride was aimed at re-enacting the momentous journey taken by Major Henry Percy in 1815 as he raced on horseback to London with the dispatch to declare the battle a victory.

Ride of the Lions (Supermodel Jodie Kidd with chief executive Jonathan Neame)

Shepherd Neame’s export manager Olly Scott and head of property services Martin Godden were among the cyclists. Chief executive Jonathan Neame also joined the group for the leg from Dover to Faversham.

AT THE BREWERY CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FOLK Thousands of music lovers flocked to Broadstairs in Kent to celebrate five decades of the town’s Folk Week, sponsored by Shepherd Neame.

More than 500 events, including concerts, workshops, dances, parades, a craft fair and children's festival, took place in venues throughout the town during August. They included Shepherd Neame’s own Royal Albion

Live music at the Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs

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Hotel (pictured), Wrotham Arms and Neptunes Hall.

Festival director Jo Tuffs said: “We are proud to be associated with Britain’s oldest brewer – and there is definitely a natural partnership between great real ale and folk music. Folk Week would not have reached its landmark 50th year without Shepherd Neame’s support.”

FAVERSHAM GETS ITS OWN COMEDY STORE A new monthly comedy night at The Old Brewery Store in Faversham has proved a huge hit with audiences.

It is taking place at Shepherd Neame’s events venue on the first Thursday of every month, and offers a platform for up-and-coming comedians to showcase their talents.

Tickets are priced £5. Visit www.oldbrewerystore.co.uk/events/ comedy-club or phone 01795 542285.

Comedian Steve Hili is among those to have performed at The Old Brewery Store