Master Brewer - Spring 2016

Master

BREWER

www.shepherdneame.co.uk Spring 2016

PEOPLE POWER The breadth of our business often surprises people: we are a manufacturer, a property owner, a retailer, a visitor attraction – the list goes on. Each of the sectors in which we operate presents new challenges on an almost daily basis, but we like to see the opportunities within these. This brewery has endured through countless peaks and troughs in the economy, two world wars and many other trials. Despite the complexity of our business, what influences our decision making is quite simple: a long term view and our customers.

While fads and fashions for particular food and drink will come and go, one constant remains: ever increasing demand for higher standards and a desire to seek that special and memorable experience. Whichever way a customer chooses to interact with us, we will always look to improve the quality of that experience.

To this end, we are delighted to have added yet another iconic coastal Kentish pub to our estate, The Coastguard at St Margaret’s Bay (see opposite). We hope this will become one of the great family destinations in Kent. Meanwhile, refurbishments within our existing estate continue apace, from stunning bedrooms at The Bell Hotel, Sandwich and Royal Hotel, Deal to fantastic new looks for urban pubs like The Monument, Canterbury and the Four Fathoms, Herne Bay. Our brands too are bringing new experiences to their fans.

Spitfire Gold is off to a flying start and Asahi has become the first brand in the world to unveil a super-slow motion video booth for consumers – where one sip of beer can last half a minute.

Our licensees have picked up a slew of awards. It is great to see so many fantastic entrepreneurs working with the company.

We are also delighted to see our efforts over the long term being recognised as we are finalists in two categories of The Publican Awards.

Jonathan Neame Chief Executive @jbneame

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NEW COASTAL PUB RESTAURANT BOASTS SPECTACULAR SEA VIEWS Seaside pub restaurant The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover is the latest acquisition for Shepherd Neame.

The pair received the New Licensee of the Year Award at the 2014 Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, and Wine Pub of the Year at the 2015 awards.

The Coastguard boasts panoramic sea views across the small bay, and is Britain’s nearest pub to France. It was officially taken over by the brewery in January, and is expected to reopen at the end of March following a £230,000 refurbishment.

Karensa said: “Everything has been going really well at the Zetland Arms and we love what we do, so we are really excited about expanding our business with The Coastguard.”

Work will include installing an outside bar and barbecue as well as a new internal fireplace, repainting the pub inside and out, kitchen improvements, refurbishing the toilets, and introducing new lighting and decorations.

New licensees Tom and Karensa Miller outside The Coastguard

Award-winning Shepherd Neame licensees Tom and Karensa Miller, who have run the Zetland Arms at nearby Kingsdown since 2013, will be expanding their business by taking on the pub.

INAUGURAL HOMEBREW CHALLENGE Staff at the brewery have taken part in a homebrew competition, to see who could brew the best beer in their kitchen – without the technical expertise and equipment at the Faversham Brewery.

All manner of weird and wonderful ingredients were used, including salted caramel, coconut, lemongrass, rhubarb, lemon sherbert, Cherry Coke, peanut butter, spearmint and ginseng.

The competition was a chance for employees to learn more about the ingredients and processes involved. Head brewer Richard Frost said: “Although more than 250 people work at the brewery, many are in roles that aren’t part of the brewing process, from sales and marketing to finance and customer services. We like to inspire a passion and appreciation for beer as it’s the lifeblood of the company.”

The winning beer was Budteaser, a 6% abv milk chocolate stout brewed by James Purcell, who works in the brewery’s digital marketing team. Second place went to grocery controller Deighton Ridge for his Hoppy Brew Year.

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Lab manager Sarah Marshall helped to judge the beers

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HISTORIC CITY CENTRE PUB REOPENS AFTER MAJOR MAKEOVER The Monument in Canterbury has a stylish new look and new faces behind the bar.

More than £100,000 was spent refurbishing the interior and exterior of the historic pub, which dates back to the 19th century.

The pub has been taken on by husband and wife team Shaun and Gayna Murphy, who already run Shepherd Neame’s Chequers Inn at Doddington. The pair are continuing to work at the Chequers Inn, with Shaun’s son Jonjo managing The Monument.

The Monument has introduced a new food offer, with a grazing menu available in the evening featuring sharing platters and a range of tapas-style small plates. There is also an extensive cocktail menu featuring 43 different drinks, many devised by expert mixologist Jonjo.

Jonjo Murphy at The Monument

WATCH OUT FOR PROJECTS NEAR YOU Major pub refurbishments to be completed before the summer include: • Ship & Trades in Chatham

• William the Conqueror in Rye

• Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs

• The White Horse in Maldon

The New Inn in Murston was named Best Public House in the 2015 Sittingbourne in Bloom competition

REFURBI

STAY OVER IN STYLE AT HISTORIC SHEERNESS HOTEL The Royal Hotel in Sheerness has reopened following a £110,000 refurbishment project.

Work at the historic hotel, which dates back to the 19th century, included fully redecorating the ground floor bar areas, function room and restaurant, which all have new flooring and furniture. The kitchen has been totally refurbished, along with the toilets. The building’s exterior has also been repainted, with new signage.

The hotel has 12 bedrooms, which have been completely redecorated with new furniture. Its restaurant has also been reopened with a new look and a new menu, including a selection of traditional pub classics and a daily carvery.

Royal Hotel, Sheerness

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SEASIDE PUB UNDERGOES £210,000 TRANSFORMATION The Four Fathoms in Herne Bay has undergone a £210,000 transformation.

The extensive programme of work at the seaside pub, which dates back to the mid1800s, included repainting the pub inside and out, installing new flooring, restructuring and refitting the bar counter and revamping the toilets. A new snug area has been created to make a more intimate space for drinkers, and there is new furniture and décor throughout.

The exterior courtyard also has new seating, fencing and plants.

The pub is offering food for the first time so the kitchen has been refurbished with a separate restaurant area created for diners. Customers can choose from a menu of traditional pub classics and bar snacks with a contemporary twist. The pub is being run by husband and wife team Paul and Sam Collier, who recently moved back to Herne Bay after running pubs in Somerset and Wales for six years.

Four Fathoms, Herne Bay

ISHMENTS

Licensees Paul and Sam Collier

ELEGANT NEW LOOK FOR THE SWAN INN An £80,000 makeover has been completed at traditional town centre pub The Swan in Maidstone.

Work at the 19th century pub included redecorating the bar area, introducing a new back bar display and new flooring. A log burning stove was installed in the snug area, which now has flagstone flooring. The toilets have been completely refurbished, and improved lighting and decorations have been introduced throughout the pub. The pub exterior has been repainted, with traditional sign writing, and its walled garden has been refurbished.

New licensee Anna-Marie Snell said: “Our aim is to ensure the pub is at the heart of the local community. We have lots of events and live entertainment coming up for customers to enjoy.”

The Swan, Maidstone

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RELAX...

Feature Bedroom at the Royal Hotel, Deal

New Flying Horse, Wye

Botany Bay, Kingsgate

If you’ve been dreaming of a special getaway, Kent has it all. Its reputation as the ‘Garden of England’ is well deserved, with a lush green landscape boasting acres of fruit-laden orchards and hop gardens, and it is also the perfect place for a seaside break with miles of spectacular coastline.

George Hotel, Cranbrook

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You can relax in style during your visit at one of our seven hotels, each with its own unique character, located in some stunning locations around the county.

Royal Wells Hotel, Tunbridge Wells

IN KENT We are constantly investing in our estate to ensure that you enjoy the best experience possible, most recently completing a major project to upgrade the bedrooms at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich, The Royal Hotel in Deal and the New Flying Horse in Wye. There’s never been a better time to escape from the everyday and discover just what Kent has to offer.

To find out more, visit www.relaxinkent.co.uk

River View Suite at the Bell Hotel, Sandwich

FOOD NEWS

NEW CHEF MENTORS APPOINTED TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE Five of our head chefs have been handpicked to become mentors across our retail estate in London and the South East.

Shepherd Neame's Simon Howlett (back right) with the new chef mentors

The chefs are: • Steve Harmsworth of the Marine Hotel, Whitstable • Ellina Smith of The Wharf, Dartford • Alistair Lycett of The Sun, Faversham • Matt Booker of the Botany Bay Hotel, Broadstairs • Krystian Jasiczek of Mabel’s Tavern, London

They have been chosen in recognition of their experience and outstanding skills, and will now undergo management training to become mentors. They will be on-hand for new chef inductions and ongoing support in menu development across the 52-strong retail estate.

It is part of an enhanced training programme spearheaded by Simon Howlett, our head development chef for managed houses, to ensure structured career development and encourage excellence.

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FOOD

The Sportsman in Seasalter

SIMPLY THE BEST The Sportsman in Seasalter has been named the best gastropub in Britain for a second year in a row at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards.

The pub, run by brothers Stephen and Phil Harris, picked up the title after receiving the most votes in an industry poll organised by leading magazine The Publican’s Morning Advertiser.

The Sportsman has held a Michelin star for eight years, and also took second place in the National Restaurant Awards 2015.

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Head chef Stephen Harris takes full advantage of the history and agriculture of the pub’s rural location near the seaside town of Whitstable, churning his own butter, making his own salt, baking his own bread and using only the finest, freshest produce from local farms and fishermen.

The awards were hosted by BBC Two Food & Drink presenter and two-Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge, who said: “Stephen is one of the most talented chefs in the country and it’s a genuine honour to present him with this award for the second time.”

Tom Kerridge and Stephen Harris at the awards ceremony

NEWS Several of our other pubs have also been honoured with awards during the past few months.

The Camden Arms, Pembury

The Compasses Inn in Crundale near Canterbury was named Pub of the Year in the Kent Food and Drink Awards 2015, and the Kings Head in Wye has been shortlisted for Kent Dining Pub of The Year in the Taste of Kent Awards for a second year running.

The Camden Arms in Pembury near Tunbridge Wells has also been named Les Routiers Hotel of The Year.

James and Carol Cunningham, who run the 200year-old coaching inn, were praised by judges for consistently maintaining excellent standards in all aspects of their business and customer service.

The Compasses Inn, Crundale

Kings Head, Wye

FORMER CHEF TO THE STARS TAKES ON COUNTRY PUB An award-winning chef who has catered for celebrities including the Rolling Stones has taken on The Granville in Lower Hardres, outside Canterbury.

Jim Cleaver has cooked for the likes of the Rolling Stones, U2, Oasis, Blur and Take That, travelling around the world with them on tour and also providing food for them at home or in the recording studio.

Jim, 44, said: “They may have been big stars with private jets, able to rent out entire floors of hotels, but they often just wanted simple comfort food like cheese on toast.”

Jim took over The Granville in the middle of December, closing it for a couple of weeks to undertake a refurbishment which included refitting the kitchen and painting throughout, before reopening in January.

Licensee Jim Cleaver at The Granville

He said: “I always liked the idea of running a big country pub, and The Granville ticked all the boxes. It is a traditional pub but still has lots of space, in a great location outside Canterbury.”

If you think you’ve got what it takes to run a Shepherd Neame pub, visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/join-us or call our recruitment team on 01795 542132.

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ASAHI SLOW MOTION VIDEO BOOTH Leading Japanese beer Asahi is the first brand in the world to let its consumers experience a super-slow motion video booth – where a sip of beer can last half a minute.

The Asahi Slow-Mo Booth will be touring the UK throughout the spring and summer, offering people a chance to capture their best moment in cinematic slow motion and share them on social media.

The one-of-a-kind booth replicates a giant pint glass and beer mat and took over 300 hours to build. There is even a range of special effects built into the booth to surprise those in front of the camera.

The booth will be appearing at our customers’ venues and Asahi-sponsored events. Follow Asahi on Facebook (/asahiUK) and Twitter (@AsahiUK) to find out where and when.

NATIONAL DESIGN AWARD FOR WHITSTABLE BAY The Whitstable Bay Collection has won a DBA Design Effectiveness Award in recognition of the success of its new look.

Shepherd Neame teamed up with Tunbridge Wells firm JDO Brand & Design for the brand redesign project, which has helped drive sales in the UK and abroad.

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SPITFIRE GOLD LANDS IN BOTTLE Following its runaway success on cask, Spitfire Gold has launched in 500ml bottles ahead of schedule. The 4.3% abv golden ale was launched last summer to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and 25 years since Spitfire Ale was first launched. Lighter than its counterpart, Spitfire Gold has a sweet malt base built upon with delicate floral and pine aromas imparted by some of the most popular hops of the moment, including Centennial and Saaz.

Spitfire brand manager William Upfield said: “We have had a fantastic reaction to Spitfire Gold since its launch in September, and are delighted to meet customer demand by now offering it in bottles.”

EAST COAST PALE ALE UNVEILED The latest beer from the brewery’s experimental range of beers will be available throughout March. Beers from the No.18 Yard Brewhouse have already featured a range of weird and wonderful ingredients, such as chocolate, chilli and even mulling spices.

The latest brew eschews the brewery’s tradition for using Kentish hops, by opting for some of the most in-vogue hops from across the pond, including Boadicea, Amarillo and Cascade. Imparting citrus, pine and zesty fruit flavours and at 4.8% abv, it makes for a classic American pale ale. Although it may sound American in origin – the name actually derives from a small island in Faversham Creek that was previously owned by the brewery.

Shepherd Neame is a finalist in two categories at The Publican Awards. The brewery is up for gongs as Best Tenanted & Leased Pub Company and Best Food Offer (51+ sites).

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BEAUTIFUL AWARD FOR OUR UNSUNG HERO Shepherd Neame’s catering manager and wedding functions coordinator Samantha Jeal won a top honour in this year’s Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

Samantha, who has worked for the brewery since 2007, was presented with the Unsung Hero Award for Customer Service.

She was praised by judges for her excellence and commitment to the tourism industry, demonstrated by the huge number of cards and letters of thanks she receives from happy customers.

(l-r) Samantha Jeal with Visitor Centre chefs Andy Moth and Darren Ball

She will now be among the winners invited to champion the South and South East of England at VisitEngland’s Tourism Excellence Awards taking place during English Tourism Week in March.

AT THE BREWERY MOTORING INTO ACTION FOR NEW SPONSORSHIP DEAL

TEAM SHEPHERD NEAME HOP TO IT Four brave brewery employees volunteered to take part in the first Canterbury Hop Pocket Race.

Mandy Hare and Dougie Dick outside The Woodville

An extra special delivery was made to a Gravesend theatre to celebrate its new partnership with Shepherd Neame.

The brewery will be supplying beers, wines and spirits to The Woodville and sponsoring many of its events.

Account manager Dougie Dick marked the occasion by arranging for the 1923 Austin 7 Shepherd Neame van to drop off the first batch of beer to the theatre’s general manager Mandy Hare.

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Team Shepherd Neame comprised senior brewer Derya Unver and supply chain analysts Stuart Pearson, Jon Wiles and Tom Weitzel.

They had to transport a filled Hop Pocket weighing 12 stone along a 500m route in the centre of Canterbury. Every team paid £20 to enter, with all proceeds going to the Porchlight charity which supports vulnerable and homeless people in the city.

Team Shepherd Neame came 11th out of 18 teams, with a time of 3 minutes 12 seconds.