CELEBRATING BEER AND PUBS ISSUE 6 / WINTER 2019 / FREE
Issue 6
WELCOME
We pay a special tribute to Robert ‘Bobby’ Neame, Shepherd Neame’s charismatic President, who recently passed away. Robert Neame not only stamped his personality, philosophy and style on Britain’s oldest brewer, but on the entire brewing industry.
Winter walks Explore Kent’s beautiful coast and countryside
6 Cask ale comeback? A new generation is discovering this British classic
Beer lovers won’t want to miss our special report on cask ale, which looks to be making a major comeback as a new generation of drinkers rediscover its appeal. We are also delighted to reveal the latest addition to our bottled beer portfolio - Strong Pale Ale - and a new look for a classic festive favourite. It is the perfect time of year to indulge in comfort food, and we lift the lid on a delicious selection of new winter dishes sure to satisfy all tastes. We are also proud to announce the new interactive menus with dietary and allergen filters which have just been launched across the websites of our managed pub estate, aimed at ensuring all customers can enjoy their dining experience with us.
Winter 2019
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It may be cold and gloomy outside, but we hope that this Winter Oast will brighten your spirits – hopefully accompanied by a warming glass of something special. In this edition, we begin by unveiling our new series of Winter Walks, aimed at promoting the joys of exploring Kent’s beautiful coast and countryside, whatever the weather. And best of all, they start and finish at one of our pubs, offering the perfect opportunity to reward yourself for your exertions.
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8 Fond farewell We pay tribute to our late President Bobby Neame
11 Meet the maker Discover more about Copper Rivet distillery
Find out which new pubs we have added to our estate, and take a look at some of our recent refurbishment projects, including a £1.3 million transformation of a village pub in Surrey. And in the latest of our Meet the Maker series showcasing our local independent suppliers, we visit Copper Rivet Distillery based in Chatham, to discover the secret of their success.
12 Food news Unveiling our delicious new winter menu
If you have any feedback on this issue, or would like to suggest topics for future features, please get in touch. Enjoy! Kathryn Tye
14 Editorial: Kathryn Tye Johnny Homer Photography: Frankie Julian Martin Apps Sonja Earl Design: Go Vicinity Creative www.govicinity.com 01227 760116
Pubs news £1.3 million makeover for village pub
19 Five minutes with... Linda Adams, brewery tour guide
All enquiries: ktye@shepherdneame.co.uk 01795 542259
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Shepherd Neame
EXPLORE KENT’S BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE THIS WINTER Instead of huddling indoors this winter, why not wrap up and blow away the cobwebs with a bracing walk around Kent’s beautiful coast and countryside? Shepherd Neame is hoping to encourage more people to do just that with the launch of five Winter Walk guides. The walks are between four and six miles in length and take in a wide variety of terrains and environments, along with some of Kent’s most beautiful scenery. Perhaps most importantly, they all start and finish at one of our pubs – as, of course, the best thing about any winter ramble is rewarding yourself at the end with a drink or bite to eat in a cosy pub, ideally beside a roaring fire. We commissioned local expert Lisa Filmer, who lives just outside Faversham, to write the walks. She is the founder of Coast and Country Rambles, which offers bespoke self-guided walking holidays in Kent. She said: “I was delighted to be approached to put these routes together for Shepherd Neame. I have lived in Kent all my life, so I had a lot of personal knowledge to draw upon as I have spent many years walking around the county, and getting to know the pubs too of course.” The Winter Walks guides focus on the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie near Birchington; The Carpenters Arms in Eastling; White Horse in Boughton; White Lion in Selling; and New Flying Horse in Wye.
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In addition to details of the walk, they also offer information on each pub and the local area. Lisa said: “I enjoyed all five of the walks for very different reasons, but I think the route around the New Flying Horse at Wye is my favourite. At one point there is an amazing vista of Kent that can be seen from Wye Nature Reserve, which is situated on the North Downs. It’s an extraordinary view that really makes you appreciate why Kent is called the Garden of England. “The walk from the White Lion at Selling is also special for me. At one point it takes us into Perry Wood, which is one of my favourite places and somewhere I’ve known since childhood. It also takes the walker to a viewing point called The Pulpit. Well known to ramblers, it’s a wooden platform that allows uninterrupted 360 degree views. Once again, it shows how lucky we are in Kent to be surrounded by some absolutely stunning countryside.” Kent may be called the Garden of England, but it also boasts more than 350 glorious miles of coastline, including the stunning golden sands of Minnis Bay. The five mile walk which starts and finishes at the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie offers breathtaking sea views, and also moves inland to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside. “I love coastal walking, and that part of the North Kent coastline is stunning,” said Lisa. The Winter Walks guides will be available to pick up at each pub and download from the new Walks page on our website from January.
We will also be inviting people to share photos of their walks online using the hashtag #ShepsWinterWalks. Shepherd Neame’s Head of Marketing, Brands and Communication Joanna Richardson said: “Our Kentish heartland is blessed with some of Britain’s most breathtaking countryside, and this initiative is aimed at encouraging more people to get out and explore it during the winter months. We hope that individuals, families and friends of all ages will enjoy joining Shepherd Neame on this new adventure.”
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PROMOTING THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND Lisa Filmer founded Coast and Country Rambles in 2017. Born and bred in Kent, she is now based ‘high in the North Downs’, with her husband, young son and trusty walking companion Bella, a black Labrador. How did Coast and Country Rambles come about? For 15 years I worked for a housing association. It was a very high pressure job and over time became a case of ‘live to work’ rather than ‘work to live’. I wanted to make a change, so when the opportunity for redundancy arose, I decided to take it. Walking is something I’ve always enjoyed, so after leaving my job I decided the time was right to set something up that gave me a better work/life balance. Coast and Country Rambles is the result.
Lisa Filmer and Bella
Why does Kent lend itself so well to rambling? Because it’s very accessible. By train you’re only an hour away from London to, say, Faversham. And once you arrive in the town, you are close to some really good local walks, and some really good local pubs. And once you’re surrounded by beautiful Kent countryside, for a while at least, you can forget about the everyday pressures of modern life.
A bracing country walk and a pint in the pub afterwards seem to go hand in hand. Why do you think this is? Probably because of the promise of refreshment at the end. Finding a lovely, warm cosy pub after a bracing winter walk is always a great experience. After a five mile ramble the pub is the place to be. Likewise in summertime, a pretty pub garden is always a nice place to end a walk. Country pubs allow you to get off the beaten track, to discover some hidden walks and tucked away areas that you would probably miss in the car.
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Winter 2019
FIVE PUBS FOR RAMBLING
THE CARPENTERS ARMS, Eastling: Located in the heart of the beautiful Kent Downs, The Carpenters Arms is the quintessential English country pub. Dating back to the 14th century, the pub boasts many original features including authentic oak beams and inglenook fireplaces, along with a fascinating collection of historic photographs of the local area.
MINNIS BAY BAR AND BRASSERIE, Minnis Bay: Offering panoramic views overlooking one of Kent’s finest beaches, this newly refurbished bar and brasserie is the perfect start and finish point for a coastal walk. In addition to its unique location, the stylish venue is also renowned for its food, offering a delicious menu of classic British cuisine with a contemporary twist.
NEW FLYING HORSE, Wye: A classic country inn situated in the village of Wye, nestled in the hills of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the perfect base for a stylish country break, offering nine newly refurbished guest rooms combining traditional features with modern luxuries.
At the end of a lengthy ramble, what is your favourite Shepherd Neame tipple? I do like a shandy, preferably a lager shandy. My favourite lager is Whitstable Bay Blonde.
Find out more at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/walks
DISCOVER OUR LONDON PUBS
WHITE HORSE, Boughton: Located in a small village between Canterbury and Faversham, this historic inn is a unique place to dine, drink and stay. Dating back to the 15th century, and mentioned in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, it is a characterful pub which still boasts many original features. It has 13 stylish, comfortable en-suite bedrooms, and its menu has been recognised with an AA Hospitality Award.
If urban walking is more your thing, then be sure to check out our City of London Walk, which was published earlier this year. Illustrated by acclaimed artist Peter Gander, it is available to pick up from the brewery and selected London pubs as a fold-out map, or online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/city-london-walk It guides the walker through the historic City of London itself, the fabled Square Mile, via eight Shepherd Neame pubs, starting at the Samuel Pepys on the banks of the River Thames and concluding at the Hoop and Grapes in Farringdon Street, close to Fleet Street. If you like history and you like good beer, then this is the walk for you.
WHITE LION, Selling: A warm welcome is guaranteed at this traditional pub, located in the picturesque village of Selling near Faversham. Dating back to the late 18th century, it enjoys Grade II Listing, and offers panoramic views overlooking the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Shepherd Neame
BRANDS NEWS Has there ever been more choice for the discerning beer drinker? From sours and lambics through to craft beers and world lagers, the range available has never been greater. But as the market has diversified, our most quintessentially British beer style - cask ale – has fallen out of favour, unflatteringly characterised as an ‘old man beer’ belonging to a bygone age. Yet a new generation of beer drinkers appear to be rediscovering this unfairly neglected gem, with cask sales on the rise. According to industry analysis offered in this year’s Cask Report, the category saw growth of 3.5% in July this year compared to the same month in 2018. Premium cask is performing particularly well with growth in four consecutive months from April to July. The British Beer and Pub Association (which supplied the figures used in the Cask Report) uses alcohol content to differentiate it from regular cask, classing any ale between 4.2% and 7.5% ABV as ‘premium’. Yet factors such as beer quality, style and presentation, have been increasingly important in influencing customer perception of cask ale as a valuable, ‘premium’ product.
CASK ALE – THE NEXT GENERATION?
The diversification of the beer market was prompted by an increasing number of drinkers choosing to reject the arguably bland offerings of mainstream global brands in favour of beers from independent breweries, offering a wealth of unique flavours and character. They were also interested in the provenance of the ingredients used and the sustainability of the brewing methods.
carbonated, in contrast to keg beers that use gas pressure to serve and carbonate. In short, it is a special product which requires care and attention to both brew and serve, and should be promoted as such.
Cask ale’s renaissance is therefore arguably long overdue, as in the majority of cases it ticks every box of this new beer agenda.
Shepherd Neame is trying to do just that with the Cask Club initiative, launched back in March, which sees a new cask ale released every month.
It can be produced in an infinite range of contemporary styles and flavours, using traditional brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients.
Head Brewer Mike Unsworth said: “Cask beer remains very popular among loyal cask drinkers, but historically it has been difficult to recruit new consumers to the category, especially within the seasonal beer range. Our aim with Cask Club was to capitalise on the increasing demand for a premium drinks offer by creating an innovative range of beers with new flavours and styles that excite the consumer.”
It is also a completely natural product. When brewed and served correctly, cask ale is the freshest beer you will ever taste, and every pint will be different. Poured from a hand pump, drawn up directly from the cask, it is naturally
NEW LOOK FOR A CLASSIC FESTIVE FAVOURITE It’s been a festive favourite for more than a decade, and the 2019 vintage of our legendary Christmas Ale is looking better than ever. We have unveiled a new limited edition presentation box for this year’s vintage of the full-bodied winter beer (7.0% ABV). Each festive red gift box includes a 500ml bottle of Christmas Ale and is decorated with an eye-catching, embossed vintage-style gold wreath. Brewed using chalk-filtered mineral water from our artesian well combined with the finest malting barley and Kentish hops, Christmas Ale is a full-bodied, complex beer with hints of spice and mulled fruits. The new limited edition Christmas Ale presentation boxes are available from the brewery’s Visitor Centre shop and online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop
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Seasonality has played a large part in the calendar, and we have also been lucky to undertake collaboration brews with brewers from around the world, including Finland, Italy, Sweden and the US. These have incorporated more unusual ingredients including rosemary, organic blueberries, and Viking red malt from Scandinavia. “The concept is to brew some smaller batches every month incorporating a variety of flavours and beer styles and deliver these to the customer through both our own pub estate and national outlets,” explained Mike. Northern Lights, the Cask Club release for October, has been one of the most successful Cask Club beers. Produced through a collaboration with Swedish brewer St Eriks, it
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Winter 2019
INNOVATIVE BREWS Some of our most popular Cask Club beers in recent months have included the following:
SUMMER STORM (4.5% ABV) Released in August, this American Style IPA is fullbodied and smooth. It is bursting with tropical and citrus fruit notes courtesy of a harmonious blend of English and US hops.
HOWLING WOLF (4.5% ABV) Our November beer was created in collaboration with Finnish brewer Mallaskoski. It is a full-bodied winter ale offering hints of vanilla and citrus with a bold, smoky finish.
boasted an ABV of 4.7% and was flavoured with wild, organic blueberries. “The Cask Club beers have been universally well received,” said Mike. “With their bold flavours they have often become a talking point in the beer community, and are encouraging people to discover the joys of cask.” Our Cask Club calendar for 2020 is already taking shape, and promises to be every bit as bold as 2019. “We are looking to produce some great beers next year,” Mike added, “and to show people that cask ale can be a premium drink every bit as exciting and innovative as any other style of beer.”
WHAT IS CASK ALE? The majority of beer is filtered and often pasteurised before leaving the brewery, ready to serve from keg as soon as it reaches its destination. Cask ale is unfinished when it is leaves the brewery. It is a living product and continues to ferment, gaining maturity and flavour, inside its cask.
www.sncaskclub.co.uk
BOLD NEW CAN DESIGNS UNVEILED Cans of our flagship Spitfire Amber Ale and Whitstable Bay Pale Ale have a fresh new look. We have just unveiled bold new designs for 500ml cans of both Spitfire Amber Ale and Whitstable Bay Pale Ale. It follows the relaunch of both brands in the summer. The Spitfire Amber Ale cans (4.2% ABV) boast a matt finish and premium navy, red and silver design, depicting the new logo showing the iconic Spitfire aircraft soaring through the heart of the logo, its upward trajectory mirrored in the curve of the can. The new Whitstable Bay Pale Ale cans (4.0% ABV) also offer brilliant standout on the shelf with their bold blue colour. Again boasting a matt finish, the can features the collection’s new logo, inspired by the creative spirit of its coastal home. It retains the classic oyster yawl synonymous with Whitstable and anchors it alongside the town’s iconic pub the Old Neptune.
RUDOLPH’S REWARD (4.5% ABV) Available throughout December and into January, this festive light ale features pale and crystal malts, with mulling spices added at the end of the brew.
A BRIGHT NEW BREW We are delighted to unveil a new addition to our Classic Collection of beers - Strong Pale Ale (5.5% ABV). The beer is a contemporary take on a 19th century recipe discovered a few years back in our brewing archive. Historically, it used 100% pale malt and was bittered by the East Kent Goldings hops local to the brewery, resulting in a golden, brilliantly bright beer. Although we’ve rejuvenated it by using the modern hop variety Cascade, we’ve stayed true to the spirit of this great pale ale, which was hugely popular in its day. It is hoppy and refreshing, with a fruity and spicy aroma. Other popular beers in the Classic Collection, which revitalises unique brews from bygone days to share with today’s beer drinker, include India Pale Ale and Double Stout.
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CAREER MILESTONES Robert Neame lived life to the full, and often anticipated trends before rival brewers caught on. These are some of his career milestones:
1934
Robert Harry Beale Neame born on February 25
1956
Joins Shepherd Neame
1957
Appointed to the board
1971
Takes over as Chairman and Chief Executive
1975
Signs agreement with Hürlimann of Switzerland
1979
Appointed Chairman of the South East England Tourist Board
1982
Appointed Leader of Kent County Council (KCC)
1990
Buys 33 pubs from Allied-Lyons for £5.85m
1990
Spitfire launched to coincide with 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
1992
Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent
FOND FAREWELL TO A BREWING LEGEND The brewing world has lost one of its longest-serving and most respected figures, Robert Neame, President of Shepherd Neame. During more than 50 years of service with his family business, Robert Neame not only stamped his personality, philosophy and style on Britain’s oldest brewer, but on the entire brewing industry. Bobby, as he was widely known, was born on February 25, 1934. He was evacuated to Scotland during the Second World War and later attended Harrow, where he excelled in the classroom and eventually became Head Boy. There was a level of expectation that he would join the family business. He learnt his brewing expertise with spells at Brickwoods in Hampshire, Carlsberg in Denmark, and lager breweries in Norway, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland, before developing his extensive knowledge of the wine trade in Portugal, Spain and France. In 1956, fresh from national service with the 17th/21st Lancers, he started his Shepherd Neame career, first in the brewhouse and later selling to the working men’s clubs which made up much of the company’s free trade business. When tasked with improving the consistency of beer quality, he was
1997
Secures brewing agreement for Oranjeboom
1999
Receives CBE “for services to brewing, tourism and the community”
2001
Appointed High Sheriff of Kent
2003
Elected President of Kent County Cricket Club
2006
Celebrates 50 years with Shepherd Neame, and is appointed President
2008
Receives an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of Kent
2010
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Robert Harry Beale Neame, CBE, DL, DCL (1934-2019)
Appointed an Honorary Alderman by KCC in recognition of his service to Kent
Welcoming Prince Charles to the Brewery in 1998
With wife Yvonne collecting his CBE in 1999
Meeting Pope John Paul II in 1982
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convinced that brewery-conditioned keg beer was a viable option and the board voted him a budget of £1,000. With such a frugal sum he was forced to improvise, even buying a tin bath in which kegs were pasteurised, two at a time! In 1971 he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director, a role he would hold for more than 30 years. Recalling his first year at the helm, he once said: “I told my first AGM that if I didn’t double the profits in the first three years they’d better get rid of me.” They didn’t, and profits continued to grow.
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ROBERT NEAME NOT ONLY STAMPED HIS PERSONALITY, PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE ON BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER BUT THE ENTIRE BREWING INDUSTRY
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He was one of the first in the UK to recognise the nation’s increasing enthusiasm for lager, a taste acquired by the first generation of package holidaymakers. In 1968 the company signed a deal with Swiss brewer Hürlimann, initially to import, and then to brew their lager under licence for the UK market. Upgrading pubs, and steadily transforming the brewery over succeeding years, underpinned one of his proudest achievements – 31 consecutive years of annual profit
National Service with the 17/21st Lancers
Promoting Spitfire with his son, Chief Executive Jonathan Neame
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Winter 2019
growth. He was responsible for acquiring a significant number of pubs from Whitbread in the 1970s and 1990s along with package purchases from Allied, Bass Charrington, Courage and Phoenix Inns during the 1990s. During his time with the company Shepherd Neame’s pub estate more than doubled in size. He also took great satisfaction in measures to improve benefits for employees, particularly the company pension and share schemes. Away from the Faversham Brewery he enjoyed a 24-year involvement with Kent County Council, and was Council Leader from 1982 to 1984. He also chaired the British section of the International Union of Local Authorities, was High Sheriff of Kent (2001), President of Kent Cricket (2003) and Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers (1999). He was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Kent in 1992, made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law by the University of Kent in 2008. He was also involved with a variety of organisations ranging from the CBI and South East England Tourist Board, to Folkestone Racecourse and National Westminster Bank. He still somehow found time to enjoy shooting, skiing, golf, cricket and gardening, and always allowed time for humour. He died peacefully in his sleep on November 15. He is survived by his wife Yvonne, his four children – Charlotte, Jonathan, Sarah and Moray – and nine grandchildren.
Receiving his Honorary Doctorate from the University of Kent in 2008
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MEET THE MAKERS:
COPPER RIVET DISTILLERY
Matt Russell (left) with members of his team
For hundreds of years, Chatham Dockyard in Kent stood at the cutting edge of industry and innovation – building, repairing and maintaining our country’s naval fleet. Three decades since the last ship was launched from Chatham, innovation and craftsmanship has returned to the area once again. The Copper Rivet Distillery opened its doors in 2016, and its unique portfolio of artisanal spirits, handcrafted in bespoke stills using local ingredients, has proven a huge success. Kent's only Grain to Glass Distillery, the team can trace every bottle back to the field, as all the ingredients come from within a 20 mile radius. The business was founded by Bob Russell and his sons Matt and Stephen Russell. Bob imported beers and wines so the brothers grew up in the drinks industry, and while Stephen went into the City, Matt followed in his father’s footsteps, working in sales and marketing for alcohol brands. Matt, 46, said: “Fifteen years ago I completed an MBA degree in Wines and Spirits and that really was the spark that inspired us to think about launching our own business. We are all passionate about beers, wines and spirits, and started talking about the idea of creating a premium product of our own that was authentic, rather than simply conjured up through a veneer of marketing.” They started looking at options, discounting wine due to the huge initial investment involved, and craft brewing due to the large volume of beers already on the market. Matt said: “For us, spirits seemed a happy medium as they can have a fairly short turnaround period and less initial investment is needed. After two years of research, we put together our business plan and began looking for sites. Stephen and I grew up in Rainham and attended school in Rochester, so it was important to us to stay close to home. The raw materials are here, the skills are here, and we have a market on the doorstep in London.” After months of searching, they found Pumphouse No.5 on Chatham’s former dockyard. Matt took his wife and three daughters to visit Upnor Castle, and happened to look across the River Medway
and see the empty building, which by happy coincidence was for sale. After securing the site they appointed Head Distiller Abhi Banik to design bespoke stills, which were then made locally in Chatham and clad in copper, providing inspiration for the distillery’s name. Reflecting their family-oriented approach, the whisky still is named Sandy in memory of Bob’s father, the gin still Joyce in memory of his mother and the column still Janet in memory of his mother-in-law. ‘Janet’ currently has a patent pending, as Abhi came up with an innovative new design which enables the distillery to both macerate and infuse the botanicals in gin, creating a totally unique product.
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WE ARE CREATING EVERY ELEMENT FROM START TO FINISH
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Grain is the main ingredient, and it is sourced locally from farms in the Isle of Sheppey and Upchurch. The farmers also take the distillery’s spent grain for cattle feed. Their primary product is Dockyard Gin, but they also create Vela Vodka, new unaged spirit Son of a Gun, and are working on a whisky. The team have also utilised Kent’s rich supply of fruit to create seasonal products – damson gin for the winter and pink gin for the summer flavoured with strawberries.
They currently employ 10 full time staff in the distilling hall and another 20 part-time staff look after the hospitality and tourism side of the business, which has grown rapidly. Matt said: “When we opened, Dad, Stephen and I would do informal tours but they were so popular that it quickly transpired that we needed to put together a proper script and employ professional tour guides. Last year, 12,000 visitors toured the distillery. We were established as a producer, but now we are also a leisure and tourism provider. We didn’t realise we would become part of that industry.” He added: “When we were launching Copper Rivet Distillery, we were completely focused on the planning and operations side of the business, and we have been amazed by the local interest and support we have received.” Among the distillery’s important supporters is Shepherd Neame. It supports the best of Kent through its wine and spirit business Todd’s The Wine Company, which distributes Copper Rivet and other premium brands across its pub estate. Matt said: “I was invited to talk to Visit Kent after our launch and Jonathan Neame is Chairman of the tourism organisation. He found me afterwards and said he would love to work with us. It is a great fit as we are both independent family firms creating premium products using locally sourced ingredients. Having our spirits stocked by Shepherd Neame has not only helped us raise awareness but offers an implicit endorsement of our product quality.” He added: “From the Kentish ingredients we use, to our unique distilling process, and our choice of local partners, everything we do is aimed at ensuring Copper Rivet Distillery is renowned for quality, and authenticity. This was our family dream, and we hope it will be our legacy to future generations, here for many years to come.”
www.copperrivetdistillery.com
Matt said: “Our overall aim is to ensure that everything we do is as local as possible, and that it is completely authentic with no secondary processes. We aren’t buying in industrial ethanol and then flavouring it as many companies do, we are creating every element from start to finish.” In their first year, Copper Rivet produced approximately 30,000 bottles of spirit. Three years later, they are now producing spirit that equates to just over 150,000 bottles.
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FOOD NEWS GO GREEN THIS CHRISTMAS
If you’ve recently looked at a menu on the website of one of our managed pubs or hotels, you might have noticed some changes. Every one of our managed sites now has an interactive online menu, allowing customers to display and filter the menu based on food allergies, intolerance and eating styles.
SAUCY NEW PROJECT
A new Kentish tomato chutney, created exclusively for Shepherd Neame, has just been launched in our managed pub estate. Karimix, based just outside Faversham in Selling, produce a wide range of handmade pickles, relishes, chutneys, curry pastes and sauces. Our Head Development Chef Simon Howlett approached them earlier this year with the idea of creating a bespoke Kent tomato chutney to provide the ideal accompaniment to our burgers, and it was unveiled last month. All tomatoes used in the chutney are sourced locally from Thanet Earth near Birchington in Kent. Simon said: “This partnership allows us to use some great Kent produce and also to support local growers."
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We have also added clear interactive symbols under every dish, which flag up any dietary or
allergen information when you scroll over them. It has been a complex project, as every site has its own individual menu, specifically tailored to its unique offer, but it is an important part of our ongoing work to ensure that all customers can enjoy dining with us. Every menu in our managed estate now offers a selection of vegan dishes, and we have just added more vegetarian, gluten-free and under600 calorie options. Earlier this year we were
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Winter 2019
AWARDWINNING FOOD OFFER
INVESTING IN OUR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE first in the UK to launch the award-winning vegan Oumph! Burger, which boasts nutritional benefits and a low climate impact. We also teamed up with Master Butcher Joseph & Henry on an award-winning bespoke gluten-free chuck steak burger, exclusive to our pubs. We pride ourselves on keeping abreast of the latest food trends, so we have also introduced more small plates to reflect the change in dining habits, with an increasing number of customers preferring to graze and share dishes
DISCOVER OUR DELICIOUS NEW WINTER MENU As the dark nights and cold weather draw in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some delicious comfort food. And our new winter menu has something to suit all tastes. Enjoy starters and nibbles such as caramelised butternut squash and feta on charcoal toast with toasted pumpkin seeds, mixed leaves and pomegranate molasses. Tuck into hearty, comforting main dishes such as pork belly with calovo nero, lemon and chive mash, mushroom sauce and crispy
than eat a traditional three course meal. Head of Retail Operations Graeme Endacott said: “We are always looking for new ways to improve our customers’ experience with us, and this investment in our websites is aimed at doing just that. The interactive menus are simple and quick to use, and we have already received great feedback from customers. We are passionate about offering great, freshly cooked food to suit all tastes, using the best, locally-sourced ingredients.”
crackling. Or try the new surf ‘n turf burger, with sautéed prawns in a spicy shrimp and peanut sauce, bacon, pickled red onions, spiced tamarind relish and garlic mayo. It’s the perfect time of year to tuck into a traditional roast dinner. With locally sourced meats – not forgetting tasty vegetarian alternatives - crispy potatoes, homemade Yorkshire puddings, fresh seasonal vegetables and gravy, we've got all the makings of the perfect winter feast. Head Development Chef Simon Howlett said: “We want to ensure that our offer is fresh and we can make the most of the delicious seasonal produce available on our doorstep.” For more information visit: www.shepherdneame.co.uk/love-food
The Three Mariners in Oare was named Pub of the Year at this year’s Kent Life Food and Drink Awards. Situated in the village of Oare just outside Faversham, The Three Mariners is renowned for its food. The team use local ingredients wherever possible, so the specials change daily to reflect seasonal influences. They make all dishes from scratch, including baking their own bread each day. Licensee Justin Prior, who has been at the pub for two and a half years, also invested in a smoker for the pub, so they are able to smoke and carve their own meats and fish. Justin, pictured above with team member Ruth Willmott at the ceremony, said: “We are delighted to win this award. We have an amazing team of staff and this is fantastic recognition for their talent, dedication and passion, which is key to The Three Mariners’ success.” Another of our pubs, The Coastguard at St Margaret's Bay near Dover, was also shortlisted for the title. Two other Shepherd Neame pubs have also been honoured in The MICHELIN Guide 2020 for Great Britain and Ireland. The Sportsman in Seasalter has retained its Michelin star for a 12th year, while the Compasses Inn in Crundale near Canterbury has retained its Bib Gourmand for a second year. Shepherd Neame has also been shortlisted for Best Food Offer in the Publican Awards – the Oscars of the hospitality industry - with winners to be announced in March.
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PUB NEWS
EXPANDING OUR LONDON ESTATE LOCAL HERO NAME: Sarah Wellings AGE: 31 LIVES: Faversham OCCUPATION: Project Manager REGULAR AT: The Limes, Faversham
What are you drinking? I’m a big fan of Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager. Why are you here? I’ve come here with my 13-month old son Remy to meet my friend and her little girl for lunch and a catch-up. I live locally in Faversham so I normally visit The Limes about once a month. What do you like about it? Since having my son, I have been on the look-out for family friendly places to visit in the town. The Limes is fantastic as it not only has great baby changing facilities but is one of the most easily accessible pubs, which is essential when you have a buggy. The staff are really friendly, and it is a relaxed, comfortable place to spend time with family and friends. It also has great food and a wide selection of beers and wines.
We have increased our presence in the capital with the acquisition of one of Soho’s oldest pubs, the Coach and Horses. The Grade II Listed pub, located on the corner of Old Compton Street and Charing Cross Road, dates back to 1731. It was known as the Coach and Horses until its name was changed in 1996 to Molly Moggs, then to Compton Cross in 2017. We restored its original name of the Coach and Horses as part of a major renovation programme which was recently completed.
About the pub: The Limes is situated in the heart of the medieval market town of Faversham. An historic pub dating back to the 1900s, it recently underwent a stylish renovation, while retaining its traditional character. Food is served every day, with a delicious menu of small plates, sandwiches and main meals on offer including The Limes’ acclaimed range of homemade burgers. Visit www.limes.pub for more information.
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Work included refurbishing the bar and redecorating throughout, with care taken to preserve its traditional feel, including personalised mirrors and tiled walls. Outside, the pub has been repainted and a bespoke swing sign added, along with hand-painted gold lettering down the corner of the building.
www.coachandhorsesoldcompton.co.uk
Issue 6
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Winter 2019
SURREY PUB UNDERGOES £1.3 MILLION TRANSFORMATION The Woolpack in the Surrey village of Banstead has just reopened following a £1.3 million transformation. The pub was closed during the major three month project, which included remodelling the layout and redecorating throughout, with stylish new décor and lighting aimed at retaining the pub’s warm, traditional feel with a quirky modern touch. The toilets were moved to a new first floor extension, allowing the size of the kitchen to be doubled. The kitchen now has an open pass, allowing customers to watch the team at work and speed up the delivery of food. Work also included extending the restaurant, which now has bifold doors leading out to the terrace and garden which has also been remodelled, with a new glazed pergola, outside bar, garden furniture and lighting. At the front of the pub, the entrance has been made more attractive by removing the high hedges and introducing a turfed area. The exterior has been painted and a new bespoke swing sign created. Nigel Bunting, Director of Retail and Tenanted Operations, said: “We are delighted with the finished results of this project. The Woolpack is one of our most popular pubs, so this investment is aimed at providing much needed additional space and improved facilities.”
www.woolpackbanstead.co.uk
AN ICONIC ACQUISITION We have just acquired one of the oldest and most iconic pubs in Kent - The Crown, Rochester. Situated at the top of Rochester High Street, close to both the town centre and the newly opened Rochester railway station, the Crown has stood on this site since at least the 16th century. The 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys recorded visiting the pub, and it even hosted Queen Elizabeth I during her visit to Rochester in 1573. The current building dates from the mid-19th century and is Grade II listed. Open every day, The Crown is a traditional, characterful pub which serves a wide selection of cask ales and lagers. It is also renowned for its delicious menu of light bites, sandwiches and pub classics. www.crownrochester.co.uk
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Oast Magazine
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Shepherd Neame
COMMUNITY NEWS
BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER RAISES £27,000 FOR CHARITY Sheps staff took part in the Faversham 10K run
Shepherd Neame has raised £27,000 for its first Charity of the Year, the Silas Pullen Fund.
Pier Five in Chatham held a Shuffleboard tournament
Fundraising activities by staff at the brewery and across our pub estate included a Festive Old and New Sale, Battle of the Wits comedy night and the first Great Brewery Bake Off, along with a number of quizzes and sponsored runs. A team of plucky brewery staff including Chief Executive Jonathan Neame also took part in the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge. The fund was set up in the memory of Faversham schoolboy Silas Pullen, who died from an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2013, aged 11. All money is donated to The Brain Tumour Charity.
The first Great Brewery Bake Off attracted some delicious entries
Silas Pullen’s parents Sarah and Ben receive the cheque from Jonathan Neame
We began raising money for the Silas Pullen Fund last October as part of a relaunch of our Sheps Giving charitable arm. The company’s Sheps Giving committee co-ordinates the donation of thousands of pounds worth of beer each year, along with vouchers for its pub and hotel estate, to local groups and individuals in support of their fundraising activities. Jonathan Neame presented Silas’ parents Sarah and Ben Pullen with a cheque to mark the completion of the partnership. He said: “We are delighted to not only have been able to raise a significant amount of money for this incredibly worthy cause but also raise awareness. Our staff have really got behind this partnership and enjoyed the variety of fundraising activities and challenges organised by our Sheps Giving committee during the past year.” Sarah Pullen said: “The Shepherd Neame community has raised a truly fantastic amount for the Silas Pullen Fund and the money that they have raised will go straight into researching vital new treatments for children with brain tumours. The company’s commitment to fund raising over the last year has been extraordinary and both Ben and I have been touched by their support and drive and would like to thank everyone involved.”
BREWERY HOSTS RAILWAY FUNDRAISING GROUP More than 100 railway employees from across Europe were welcomed to the brewery for a complimentary tour and dinner. They were in the UK to take part in Eurostar Challenge Mastronardi, an annual charity football tournament held to commemorate Antonio Mastronardi, a Belgian train driver who was tragically killed back in 2000 in a railway collision caused by a deliberate obstruction left on the track. The 2019 tournament took place at the University of Kent and was supported by a number of partners including Shepherd Neame, who volunteered to host the group for an evening. Kev Clarke, UK organiser for Challenge Mastronardi, said: "The tour, the meal and of course the beer were all wonderful and much appreciated."
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Issue 6
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Winter 2019
The Queen visited the RBLI Village in November
Silas Pullen
NEW CHARITY PARTNER ANNOUNCED Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is Shepherd Neame’s Charity of the Year for 2019/20. Based near the brewery at Aylesford near Maidstone, RBLI is a national charity supporting not only British Armed Forces veterans, but civilian men and women of all ages, specifically those with disabilities and the long-term unemployed. It aims to support its beneficiaries to find work and lead independent lives.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHEPS GIVING AT WWW.SHEPHERDNEAME.CO.UK/SHEPSGIVING
Facilities at the RBLI Village in Aylesford include a purpose-built nursing home, supported living apartments and emergency accommodation. There is also the Base Camp community centre and café used not only by RBLI beneficiaries but the local Aylesford community. The Village is also home to RBLI’s social enterprise Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC). More than 70% of BBMC staff have a disability, health condition or have an Armed Forces background, and produce road signs, wooden pallets and fulfilment projects.
Jonathan Neame said: “It is RBLI’s centenary year, so we thought it was the perfect opportunity to support this fantastic British charity, based near us in Aylesford. We are committed to supporting the community we serve, and are delighted to be able to offer our support to such a worthy cause. “In addition to raising money for the charity during the year ahead, we also hope that our staff will be able to donate their time, as there are extensive volunteering opportunities at the RBLI Village. We are also planning to offer practical support for the RBLI beneficiaries in the form of work placements and mentoring at the brewery and around our pub estate.” The Sheps Giving committee will be working with RBLI to organise fundraising activities at the brewery and across its pub estate throughout the next 12 months.
www.rbli.co.uk
TOP AWARD FOR WILD FLOWER GARDEN A community project supported by Shepherd Neame has been commended by Kent Wildlife Trust in its annual Wild About Gardens awards. Earlier this year we collaborated with Faversham Volunteer Gardeners to help transform Partridge Lane car park behind the brewery into an oasis of colour, thanks to a vibrant display of wild flowers which were planted in a raised flower bed. It was named the Bee(r) Garden and aimed to improve the general environment for both people and wildlife alike.
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Oast Magazine
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Shepherd Neame
SHEPS NEWS
KENYA COMES TO KENT It definitely isn’t something that you see at your local every day. A group of Maasai warriors were welcomed by delighted regulars at the Walnut Tree in Aldington, near Ashford. They visited the village pub as part of a day-long Kenyan Cultural Festival arranged by members of the South East and Kent Kenyans society. In addition to performances by the Maasai warriors, there was live music, a bouncy castle for children and also the chance to try Nyama Choma, a traditional Kenyan barbecue. “It went really well despite the rain, with more than 200 people attending throughout the day,” said Walnut Tree licensee Karen Barrett, who helped organise the event. “The group sang traditional songs both inside and outside the pub, and also performed a traditional Kenyan welcome for customers.” During the event Karen’s partner Steve was made a Chief. Karen has been at the Walnut Tree for 18 years and was presented with the Heart of the Community Award at Shepherd Neame’s annual Pub Awards back in July in recognition of her dedication to raise funds for charity and support local residents and groups.
Karen Barrett and Steve Worrow with some of the Maasai warriors
“Our aim in hosting this event was to bring cultures together,” said Karen. “We pride ourselves on being a community pub and as such we want to bring the community together.
CELEBRATING OUR SPORTS PARTNERSHIPS
“The people from the village who popped along were really surprised by how friendly and laid back the whole thing was. I suppose it’s not the kind of thing you would normally associate with a Kent village pub.” Plans are already in place to repeat the event in 2020. Jonathan Neame, Zak Crawley and Sam Billings
HI-VIS JACKETS NOT REQUIRED A group of Chelsea Pensioners from the historic Royal Hospital, Chelsea, recently enjoyed a tour of the Faversham Brewery. The veterans were hosted by Senior Tour Guide Alan Trent before returning to the Visitor Centre for a tutored beer tasting. Given the colour of their iconic frock coats, the group toured the brewery minus the usually obligatory hi-vis safety vests. Their tour was followed by a lunch of bangers and mash accompanied with a pint or two for good measure. Accompanying the group was Major Frankie Howell, Captain of Invalids. He said: "It was the Pensioners' idea to visit the brewery. A few had been before and recommended it to their colleagues. The tour itself was great and the tour guides were fabulous. The lunch was very nice too, as, of course, was the beer!
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Shepherd Neame has been a proud sponsor of Kent County Cricket Club for more than a decade, with its Canterbury headquarters renamed The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in recognition of the partnership. Our Chief Executive Jonathan Neame was recently invited to the 2019 Spitfire Kent Cricket Awards in Canterbury where he joined team captain Sam Billings to present the men's first XI awards. The winners on the night were Darren Stevens (Club Player of The Year) Heino Kuhn (Fielder of The Year) and Matt Milnes (Bowler of The Year). There was also a hat-trick of awards for Zak Crawley, who was named Batsman of The Year, Spitfire One-Day Player of the Series and Players' Player of The Year.
Issue 6
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Winter 2019
FIVE MINUTES WITH
LINDA ADAMS BREWERY TOUR GUIDE
Name: Linda Adams Lives: Faversham Favourite Shepherd Neame beer? Five Grain Lager. It is subtle and light without being too carbonated. Favourite non-Shepherd Neame tipple? I like a glass of red wine, particularly Chilean Merlot, and also enjoy a cocktail now and then!
Career: I grew up in Newcastle, and after school I studied Sociology in London before moving to teach English in France. I then returned to the UK to study stage management, working on the hit West End musical Starlight Express after completing my studies. Still in my 20s, I then moved to Australia where I lived for a year undertaking a variety of administrative roles, before returning to the UK to undertake a social work qualification. Since then I have undertaken a number of roles in the profession, working in the UK and around the world, including Australia, Germany and France. My most recent position was as a locum social worker in a mental health team in Kent. I joined Shepherd Neame as a Brewery Tour Guide in November 2018. What attracted you to Shepherd Neame? After an eclectic start to my career, I decided to focus on social work as
I have been volunteering with charities since I was at school, and I am particularly passionate about helping people with mental health issues. In recent years, my work has been on a more part-time consultative basis, so I was looking for a new challenge. My husband Gary and I moved to Faversham two years ago, so when I saw the advert for the tour guide position at the brewery, it seemed a great opportunity. I am really interested in heritage and history, and completed a postgraduate course in Cultural Studies. I also previously volunteered for the National Trust for five years. What does your job involve? I typically work around 20 hours a week, giving public and private brewery tours. I can also be asked to work on the brewery’s Evening Tour and Ale Samplers’ Suppers and Beer & Food Matching Evenings, when I give tours followed by tutored tastings, then help to serve the guests’ meals.
backgrounds. I also get a real sense of satisfaction when people tell me that they have enjoyed my tour. What can be tough about your job? It can sometimes be challenging if I’m giving a tour to a large group of people, trying to keep control and manoeuvre them safely around the site. What personal characteristics help you in your role? I would describe myself as a confident, outgoing person, so I am happy speaking in front of people. I also taught English as a foreign language for a while during my 20s, which helps in this role as we welcome a lot of foreign tourists on the tours. My experience in social
work has given me the tools to deal with people from all walks of life, and I am experienced in working as part of a team. What are your hobbies and interests outside work? I am a keen runner and a member of Faversham Running Club. I take part in Whitstable Park Run every week and run three times a week. I also do a lot of travelling. I enjoy visiting art galleries and we travel around the world specifically to see artwork exhibitions. Gary is a software engineer and we have been together for more than 30 years. We are devoted to our two dogs which we take for long walks – a nine-year-old Boxer and a one-yearold Pointer.
www.shepherdneame.co.uk/visitor-centre
What qualifications are needed for your role? None, I was given on the job training. I was given the tour script and asked to memorise it, then taken round the brewery and shown where to stand and deliver each part. When I felt ready, I gave a practice tour to another member of the team, before doing it for real. Other members of the team also accompanied me on my first few tours to offer support. What do you enjoy about your job? The job is never boring, it is different every day as you meet new people from a wide variety of
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