Master Brewer - Autumn 2013

Master

BREWER

www.shepherdneame.co.uk Autumn 2013

DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITIES At last – a good summer! We were made to wait for it, but eventually the sun shone, bringing with it a much-needed sense of optimism.

The brewery has undergone a restructure resulting in two trading divisions - this will ensure we are able to adapt to changes in the market.

Moreover, a new agreement with Kuehne + Nagel to supply distribution and warehousing means we can look for new opportunities to expand our customer base.

The new-look Marine Hotel in Tankerton has re-opened following a major refurbishment which will capitalise on the burgeoning east Kent tourism market.

NEW LOGISTICS AGREEMENT AND BOARD RE-ORGANISATION Shepherd Neame has entered into a 10 year logistics agreement with Kuehne + Nagel Drinkflow Logistics Limited (KNDL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.

operations at the site in Faversham as a key hub in the KNDL national network and see KNDL take over responsibility for local and national drinks distribution, including to Shepherd Neame's 350 pubs and hotels.

They will provide distribution and warehousing services to the brewery and combine their existing

As a consequence Shepherd Neame has announced a reorganisation of the business board, which will operate as two trading divisions – Brewery and Brands and Retail and Tenanted. Changes will take place over the next 12 months.

• Graeme Craig, currently sales and marketing director, will become director of brewing and brands, with effect from January 2014.

Staying on the coast, our Whitstable Bay brand has been expanded into a range of new beers with contemporary appeal and aimed at bars and restaurants as well as a traditional pub setting.

Spitfire Ale’s new TV advertising has been aired and the brand has secured the naming rights for Kent County Cricket Club’s Canterbury ground.

We have also added to our Classic Collection range of beers Our annual Pub Awards have once again demonstrated the high level of commitment, skills and expertise of our licensees. We have been working closely with them to unleash the potential in our pub estate in line with the opportunities in local markets.

Jonathan Neame Chief Executive @jbneame

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• Nigel Bunting, currently retail director, will become director of retail and tenanted operations, with effect from July 2014.

• George Barnes, currently tenanted and property director, will become property and services director with responsibility for all property matters, technical services and other commercial issues, with effect from July 2014.

• Tom Falcon, currently production and distribution director, will leave the company at the end of December 2013.

Commenting on the changes, chief executive Jonathan Neame said: "Our team does an excellent job, but our logistics operation is subscale and restricts our ability to grow outside our heartland.

This agreement enables us to exploit the national growth opportunities arising in our portfolio. We will be very sad to see Tom Falcon leave the board. He is an exceptional individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the company”

RE-BORN IN THE USA Spitfire is taking off in North America thanks to new agreements with Canada’s oldest independent brewery, Moosehead Breweries, to act as distributors for the US and Canada.

Kegged and bottled Spitfire went on sale in September with a view to exporting additional brands in 12 months’ time. A Union Jack branded Spitfire tap handle (pictured) has been launched for the on-trade, amber 330ml bottles will be available in six packs and the classic 500ml bottles are also on sale.

Shepherd Neame export manager Olly Scott is excited by the agreements: “The deals mean Shepherd Neame beer will be available in the USA for the first time since 2001 and we’ll be adding new provinces to our Canadian distribution. We’re delighted North American drinkers value greatly the heritage of our brewery and quality of our beers.”

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SPITFIRE TAKES TO THE AIR(WAVES) Spitfire Ale’s new TV advertising campaign aired in July, starring TV comedy duo Armstrong and Miller as their RAF pilot characters.

The pair starred in a series of advertisements, which are also available on the beer’s YouTube channel, as part of an integrated marketing campaign aimed at promoting the brand to new and existing drinkers alike. They also hosted a 1940s night of comedy and music at Ye Olde Pumphouse, Hastings, which was the prize for a nationwide pub competition.

Kent County Cricket Club’s home in Canterbury has been renamed in a 10 year deal with Spitfire Ale. The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence will extend the brand’s existing support of the Friends Life t20 playing kit.

A BRILLIANT ALE? The brewery’s Classic Collection of historic ales has welcomed a new addition: Brilliant Ale. This golden 5.6% abv ale follows hot on the heels of Double Stout and India Pale Ale. Brewery folklore has it that the bright golden straw-coloured hue of Brilliant Ale was inspired by the vision of the early morning sun sending its golden shafts of light through the brewhouse window.

Historically this recipe was formulated with 100% pale malt and was bittered by the brewery’s signature East Kent Goldings hops.

Head brewer Richard Frost explains more: “According to brewery records, Brilliant Ale was first brewed sometime between 1825 and 1855. Although we’ve rejuvenated it by using modern hop variety Cascade, we’re staying true to the spirit of this great pale ale.”

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FAVERSHAM BREWERY STEAMS AHEAD WITH NEW BEERS The new Whitstable Bay range is meeting consumer demand by offering contemporary looking beers in a broad range of styles.

In response to the rising demand for craft beers and micro breweries’ products, these beers include hops from across the world such as Tettnang, Styrian Goldings and Saaz and are a break from the brewery’s usual house-style of Kentish ales.

Shepherd Neame’s signature style remains protected as the brewery has revived its Faversham Steam Brewery identity for the new

range. The title was originally adopted by Shepherd Neame when it became one of the first steam-powered breweries outside of London having bought an engine from steam pioneers Boulton and Watt in 1789.

The range includes a Pale Ale, Blonde Lager and the existing Organic Ale. The coastal town of Whitstable is renowned for great seafood and its cultural heritage.

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TRANSFORMED WHITSTABLE HOTEL SIGNALS BOOST FOR LOCAL TOURISM The Marine Hotel atop the Tankerton slopes, near Whitstable, has received a major refurbishment.

It is the brewery’s single largest refurbishment to date with the entire building undergoing a substantial restyling inside and out.

All 30 bedrooms and bathrooms, plus the function rooms, restaurant and bar area have been renovated to create a destination hotel with period detail, modern comfort and contemporary interior style.

Menus make the most of local produce

One of the major new features is a light and airy orangery which is open to diners and coffee shop customers alike.

The hotel’s elegantly-styled function rooms – the Ballroom and the Galley Suite – are both ideal for parties, conferences, meetings, celebrations and weddings.

The restaurant offers a high quality menu using local produce, with a natural emphasis on seafood, along with traditional fare.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “This significant refurbishment is not just about investing in The Marine Hotel, but the coastal area of east Kent, too. It is an area rich in history, heritage and tourism appeal and we feel confident that the hotel further enhances the reasons for people to visit.”

Bedrooms have been finished to an extremely high standard

NEXT DEVELOPMENTS Shepherd Neame is already planning its next developments at the Bell Hotel, Sandwich and the Fayreness Hotel, Kingsgate Bay near Broadstairs.

The Bell Hotel will benefit from a major development of its lobby, bar and terrace. The area will be opened up to become more inviting to customers and allow greater natural light throughout the ground floor. The project is expected to be completed by December.

Meanwhile, the Fayreness Hotel will receive a major exterior renovation to make it more in keeping with its coastal locale, including Kentish weatherboarding and an orangery to replace the existing conservatories.

Lunchtimes are popular with tourists and business people alike

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Chief executive Jonathan Neame, hotel manager Kathryn Gracey and Hugh Robertson MP, minister of state for sport and tourism at the official opening

All public areas, including bedrooms, the bar and restaurant will be refurbished to an extremely high standard. Master Brewer can reveal the hotel’s name will be changed to the Botany Bay Hotel. The work is taking place in two phases either side of Christmas, with the hotel due to open in Spring 2014.

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SHEPHERD NEAME PUB AWARDS The King’s Head at Staplehurst has been named Pub of the Year in the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2013.

Licensees from 15 of the brewery’s 350 pubs received awards for various aspects of running a successful pub, such as pulling the perfect pint, serving consistently great food or being at the centre of the local community.

Other winners included the Three Mariners in Oare, which was named Pub Restaurant of the Year and the Flying Horse, Wye which won the Pub Food Award.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Chris and Melanie Maclean, who retired as licensees in May after 22 years as Shepherd Neame licensees.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame with Pub of the Year winners Robert and Nicola Tallon from the King's Head Staplehurst

A full list of winners can be found on the brewery’s blog www.shepherdneame.co.uk/blog.

SHAKESPEARE RETURNS TO CANTERBURY A Canterbury pub dating back to 1504 has had a stunning refurbishment costing £85,000.

Former Irish pub Caseys, it has now reverted to its previous name ‘The Shakespeare’ and an aesthetic that’s in-keeping with the history of its Butchery Lane location.

One of the few independent food outlets in the city, the pub is being run by chefs and Shepherd Neame Tenants of the Year 2012 Gareth Finney and Dan Sidders, who already run three successful Shepherd Neame pubs.

The Shakespeare will have a strong food-led offer with a mouth-watering menu including such delights as a Butchers Board with black pudding and smoked bacon croquettes; a range of Kentish Gourmet burgers, and Crispy Pork Belly.

Says Gareth, “The Shakespeare will offer a safe haven from the bustle of the city, where people can come and forget the stresses and strains of work and everyday life and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.”

NEW LOOK AT THE HARROW A refurbishment at the Harrow in Hadlow has proved a hit, with more than 350 people turning up to its re-opening.

New licensees Simon Gray and Adam Jaroszek have redeveloped the pub inside and out, and launched a new menu drawing on their experience in hotels and restaurants.

Shepherd Neame property and tenanted trade director George Barnes adds, “The Harrow is an impressive, well-appointed pub with an outstanding garden.

It is great to see that Simon and Adam’s hard-work and determination and imaginative food offer have received such a great response from the local community.”

Licensees Simon Gray and Adam Jaroszek

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Shakespeare (l-r) Licensees Gareth Finney and Dan Sidders with Executive Head Chef Mark Flannigan

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ASAHI SUPPORTS LIVE MUSIC Japanese lager Asahi has continued its support of live music through a series of summer events including Lusty Glaze with The Levellers and The Proclaimers and Electric Beach with Soul II Soul.

The beer is also sponsoring its own live music venue, the Asahi Back Room at the Star Inn, Guildford. The pub has a strong history of hosting upand-coming acts and was one of the first venues played by punk band The Stranglers.

The opening night featured several up-and-coming bands, including Scottish indie rock band The Xcerts who supported the European Tour of fellow Scots Biffy Clyro.

PUB SERVES UP FIVE-STAR FOOD IN STYLE Seventeenth century pub, The Plough, Coldharbour Lane, Upper Dicker is sporting a stylish new-look and turning out first-class food thanks to new licensees Angelena and Greg Churcher.

Angelena, previously an events and functions manager, and husband Greg, who owns several food retail outlets, had dreamed of running The Plough for several years. When the opportunity arose, they teamed up with Angelena’s father Peter Hill, who has experience of running clubs and restaurants, to make their dreams a reality.

The trio have brought on-board a team of top chefs, one of whom has previously worked for celebrity chef Marco Pierre White.

Licensee Angelena Churcher has teamed up with her father Peter Hill to run the pub

KINGS HEAD EXPANDS TO OFFER GREAT PUB GRUB The Kings Head in Shadoxhurst has given a new lease of life to its old barn as part of a £60,000 refurbishment which will also see an extension to the bar and kitchen.

Run by longstanding licensees Ian and Julie Clark, who won the brewery’s Pub Food of the Year award in 2009, the pub has built-up an excellent reputation for its culinary offerings.

The weather was scorching for Electric Beach in Cornwall

UPNOR PUB CELEBRATES LOCAL NAUTICAL HERITAGE The Tudor Rose, Upnor has benefited from an £80,000 investment, which has seen it refurbished throughout.

The pub interior has been transformed with a light, natural colour palette of muted blue, grey, brown and green. New licensees Mark and Linda Wood have moved to the pub from the Red Lion, Charing Heath.

The pub has retained an eclectic, retro feel with restored antique furniture and distressed leather upholstery reflecting the character of the building. Outside, the use of old boat hulls and rope create an imaginative seating area to the front of the pub.

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MEDIEVAL DORKING PUB SET FOR RESTORATION

Customers can choose from scrumptious Sunday roasts, hearty steaks, fish and chips and a variety of pies, as well as lighter bites of pasta, pizza, salads and sandwiches incorporating the pubs homegrown vegetables, salad and herbs.

Dorking pub the Kings Arms in West Street embarked on a new chapter in its history when it re-opened under new licensee Gurdeep Manku.

The 35 year-old entrepreneur, who is also licensee of The Cricketers in South Street, is passionate about restoring the pub and committed to a regeneration programme with a significant investment by brewer Shepherd Neame early next year.

Dating back to 1405, the pub is believed to be the oldest in Dorking.

The red clay tiled roof and patterned tile hanging are just some of the outstanding features of its vernacular architecture.

Says Gurdeep, “The pub’s stunning architecture and prime location caught my attention several years ago. We’re looking forward to working closely with the brewery to renovate the pub completely.”

Customers enjoy the new look Kings Head, Shadoxhurst

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OUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY FAVERSHAM DOUBLES AS SOUTHCLIFFE IN CHANNEL 4 DRAMA A major Channel 4 drama which was shot in and around Faversham – including two Shepherd Neame pubs – has aired on TV. Southcliffe told the story of a fictional English market town devastated by a spate of shootings which take place over a single day.

The cast includes Rory Kinnear (Skyfall), Eddie Marsan (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows), Sean Harris (Prometheus) and Kaya Scodelario (Skins).

Southcliffe actor Rory Kinnear (centre) with Market Inn licensees David and Sue Pott

INDIA PALE ALE HAS THAT… JE NE SAIS QUOI The India Pale Ale from the brewery’s Classic Collection of beers, based on historic recipes, have been enjoyed by some of the nation’s most high-profile chefs.

Beer sommelier Steve Livens selected the beer for a Best of British tasting event which was attended by Michelin-starred chefs including Patrick Bertron, Michael Caines MBE and Patrick Henriroux. It was organised by renowned French chef Raymond Blanc who selected India Pale Ale as a particular favourite from the day.

Renowned chef Raymond Blanc and Beer Sommerlier Steve Livens drinking Shepherd Neame's India Pale Ale

THE FAVERSHAM HOP FESTIVAL The Faversham Hop Festival took over the town on the last weekend of August.

The free two-day event, sponsored by the brewery, attracted thousands of people to the streets and pubs of Faversham where people celebrated the hop harvest with food, beer and live entertainment include music, poetry, Morris Men and dancing.

Shepherd Neame’s venue, The Old Brewery Store, hosted an exhibition about hop picking past and present, while the Visitor Centre offered tours and Hop Pickers’ lunches.

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