MASTER
BREWER
www.shepherdneame.co.uk
Spring 2018
INNOVATING AND EXPLORING NEW TASTES The launch of any new product is always an exciting event and marks the culmination of months and sometimes years of hard work by a great many people. The advent of Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale, the latest addition to the Shepherd Neame family is particularly significant.
interest in traditional British and European flavours. Bear Island marries Old World expertise and New World hops in a respectful nod to changing tastes and trends and yet remains entirely new.
It not only brings new and exciting beers and lagers to the market, but adds extra strength and depth to our drinks portfolio.
Shepherd Neame was a pioneer in bringing international flavours to the UK via a series of long-running partnerships, many of which continue to flourish. Indeed Hurlimann and Sun Lik have recently both been given a fresh new look.
Since the hugely successful launch of our now wellestablished Whitstable Bay range we have been steadily creating a drinks range that embraces the heritage of our brewery and centuries of experience and knowledge and applies it to the palate and lifestyle of the modern drinker.
In some ways Bear Island is the final piece in a carefully constructed jigsaw, filling a space that pulls together the strong, diverse yet perfectly balanced range of drinks we have been developing over the last few years.
Cinque, the premium Five Grain Lager we launched last year is a great example of a thoroughly modern drink, international in outlook, expertly crafted and grounded in tradition.
Of course our work is never done and we continue to innovate and explore new tastes, the results of which we look forward to sharing with you soon.
Similarly, Orchard View, our first ever cider, brings a fresh taste to busy and crowded market. Over the last few years the UK has been awash with the citrus notes of US hops while the US has seen a revived 2
Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive @jbneame
WE’RE POURING AT Shepherd Neame beers, lagers and ciders are not just available in our 327 pubs and hotels spread throughout the South East or on supermarket shelves nationwide, but can be found in some of London’s best bars and restaurants.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern
Wright Brothers, Battersea
WRIGHT BROTHERS The Wright Brothers’ goal is to serve the best seafood in London. And by best they mean the freshest, most accessible and fun. They are achieving this goal in five restaurants across London, each with its own distinctive character. Mr Fogg’s Residence
Mr Fogg’s Tavern
MR FOGG’S Mr Fogg’s Residence, Mayfair and Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Covent Garden evoke the world of Jules Verne’s fictitious adventurer Phileas Fogg, the protagonist of Around the World in 80 Days. Each celebrates the glorious eccentricity of the Victorian gentleman traveller and is bedecked with antiques and artefacts such as might have been
acquired on a 19th century journey around the world. The sense of style and fun central to Mr Fogg’s provide the perfect location for Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager and Whitstable Bay Black Stout, along with Spitfire Lager, Cinque Five Grain Lager and our classic Master Brew Kentish Ale.
Having restored an oyster farm in Cornwall and as suppliers to some of the country’s best chefs, the Wright Brothers demand the highest quality drinks to accompany their food. That’s why we’re very proud they’ve chosen Cinque Five Grain Lager and Whitstable Bay Red IPA and Pale Ale as the best of British. Check out their website to discover which of these beers are available at their Borough Market, Soho, Spitalfields, South Kensington and Battersea restaurants: www.thewrightbrothers.co.uk 3
BEER NEWS
TASTING NOTES: East Coast Pale Ale (4.8% ABV) is a deep gold, pale ale bursting with pine and citrus fruit aromas and light caramel notes on the palate, brewed using British Boadicea hops blended with Amarillo and Cascade from the US. Black Lager (5% ABV) is a dark but deceptively crisp and refreshing lager made with Herkules hops and a blend of malts. Showcasing Bear Island at Craft Beer Rising
INTRODUCING BEAR ISLAND We are delighted to introduce our new Bear Island range of ales and lagers. Bear Island blends UK and international hops to salute the great trading past of our hometown Faversham and takes its name from an island that once sat within the grounds of the brewery in Faversham Creek. 4
All sorts of strange cargo landed on the island over the centuries, including, according to records, ‘one bear and his keeper’. Following a soft launch of Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale in a selection of our pubs at the end of last year, we also unveiled Bear Island Black Lager
at Craft Beer Rising, the UK’s leading craft beer show, in February. The East Coast Pale Ale has met with an overwhelmingly positive response and was awarded a gold medal at the International Brewing Awards 2017.
FRESH NEW LOOK FOR HURLIMANN Well-loved Swiss lager Hurlimann (4.8% ABV) has been given a thorough makeover to reflect its status as one of the classic and original ‘world lagers’ currently experiencing a renaissance. Shepherd Neame has brewed and sold Hurlimann for almost 50 years and the refreshed branding celebrates its Swiss heritage, but with a modern feel.
TASTING NOTES: The underlying flavour of toasted grain accommodates a floral bitterness in this lager and is supplemented by a long, dry finish and the subtle but unmistakeable rice notes.
Hurlimann is a helles-style lager, made with lager and crystal malts and Cascade hops, giving a light-bodied blend of grassy hop and sweet biscuit malt taste with a refreshing crisp bite.
Sampling Bear Island
ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY In November we held what we hope will be the first of many community events at the Old Brewery Store. To coincide with the launch of Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale we invited members of the local community to come in and try the new beer. Bear Island brand manager Will Upfield said: “We thought this was a good opportunity to invite some of our neighbours and members of the local community in to try Bear Island. “The brewery is a large presence in the town and we are conscious that people don’t often get a chance to visit or engage with us unless they book a tour. “This is something we would like to change and we look forward to welcoming more of our friends and neighbours to join us for a drink in the future.”
A NEW DAWN FOR SUN LIK Sun Lik (5% ABV) is an award-winning golden lager, brewed to a traditional recipe from Hong Kong’s oldest brewer. Made with barley, hops, malt, natural mineral water and rice, Sun Lik is an authentic taste of the Orient and the perfect accompaniment to Asian food. While retaining its authentic pedigree, Sun Lik’s identity has now been refreshed, as befits one of the UK’s most popular Asian beers. Sun Lik won silver in the 2011 Brewing Industry International Awards 5
PUB NEWS SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS Shepherd Neame pub The Crown and Cushion in Camberley, Surrey, has just undergone a major £600,000 transformation. The historic pub, which dates back to the 1500s, has stylish new décor throughout, and a large garden room has been added, doubling the number of covers available from 55 to 110. The refurbishment was funded by Barons Pub Company, which leases the site, and also runs six others across Surrey and Berkshire, including The Cricketers in Horsell, also owned by Shepherd Neame. Barons managing director Clive Price said: “We have been running The Crown and Cushion since 2012, and recently negotiated a further 15 year lease with Shepherd Neame, which is why we were delighted to undertake this investment. The partnership with Shepherd Neame really works for us; the sites are in excellent locations, we have access to quality beer brands, and we enjoy a great relationship with the brewery team.”
The Crown and Cushion, Camberley
The couple began running The Plough in Upper Dicker, East Sussex, in 2013, then the Red Lion in Chelwood Gate in 2015, and last year took on The Bull at Newick, all owned by Shepherd Neame.
The Bull is a Grade II The Bull licensees Angelena listed building dating and Greg Churcher back to the 17th century, and Angelena and Greg liaised with Shepherd Neame’s estates team to carry out a four month project of extensive refurbishment work, which finished just before Christmas. They restored original features such as the oak beams and inglenook fireplaces, updated the interior décor throughout, including rebuilding the bar with stylish copper and zinc fittings, and refurbished the inn’s nine double en-suite rooms. The Bull at Newick
Licensees Angelena and Greg Churcher are another example of multiple site operators working successfully with Shepherd Neame. 6
Angelena said: “When The Bull became available, we decided it was too good an opportunity to miss. There was a lot of work to do but it had so much potential. It is a beautiful pub, in an amazing location overlooking the village green, and we have already seen a real increase in trade.”
INVESTING IN GREAT PUBS
Three of our popular Kent pubs have unveiled fresh new looks as part of an ongoing programme of investment across our estate. We recently completed a £470,000 refurbishment at 17th Century coaching inn The Dover Castle, on the A2 between Faversham and Sittingbourne. The interior space has been completely redecorated and opened up to create seating for up to 90 diners. Outside, a new terrace has been created for alfresco dining and the garden remodelled to include a children’s play area, while the car park has been extended to accommodate up to 50 cars. 7
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The Early Bird, Grove Green
The Early Bird in Grove Green near Maidstone has benefited from improvements totalling ÂŁ250,000. Work included the installation of new bar counters, an overhaul of the outside areas to provide a stylish courtyard garden and a comprehensive design makeover for the private function and dining areas. Extra skylights have been installed to give the bar a light and airy feel, a new games space has been created and the kitchen has been moved and fully refitted to make better use of the space. 8
OUR GUILDFORD PUBS ARE THE BEST Top honours have been awarded to the Star Inn and the Britannia in Guildford. The Star was named Best Nationally Owned Pub in the Best Bar None awards, which recognises best practice in Guildford’s nightlife. The Britannia was named Best in the Pubs, bar and clubs section of the Experience Guildford Customer Service Awards.
The Gardeners Arms, Higham
The Gardeners Arms in the village of Higham has also undergone a comprehensive refurbishment costing nearly ÂŁ200,000.
The first official pint at the Gardeners Arms was poured by Patrick Murray, who played the character of Mickey Pearce in classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses.
It included the full refurbishment of the interior and two letting rooms, changes to the bar, upgrading of the kitchen and external redecoration. The Gardeners also has a new food menu offering freshly cooked classic and modern dishes. 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Follow us on social media twitter.com/shepherdneame www.instagram.com/shepherdneame www.facebook.com/shepherdneame/ Join the team at Britain’s oldest brewer
WORK WITH US We have more than 300 pubs, inns and hotels across the South East, and employ more than 1,000 staff across our estate, along with more than 270 employees at our head office and brewery.
Are you a member of our Birthday Club? Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to join, and best of all it is completely free!
We know that our committed and passionate team is vital to our success, and we are always looking for talented staff to join us.
You will receive a voucher around two weeks before your birthday, entitling you to one free main course when purchasing at least one other main course.
Together with a great range of employee benefits, we also offer a range of in-house development programmes, to support and inspire you to achieve your goals.
The vouchers must be redeemed within four calendar months, and can be used at more than 45 participating outlets in London and across the South East.
Find out more at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/careers 1O
CELEBRATE WITH US
For more information or to sign up visit snea.me/bdayjoin or www.shepherdneame.co.uk/birthdayclub
CELEBRATING GREAT FOOD AND DRINK
The King’s Head, Wye
(l-r) James Healey (UK sales manager for Estrella Damm), Stephen Harris, William Sitwell (Waitrose Food Magazine editor)
The Sportsman in Seasalter has been named as Britain’s best gastropub for a third time at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards. The Shepherd Neame-owned pub restaurant, run by brothers Stephen and Phil Harris, picked up the title after receiving the most votes in a poll organised by leading pub industry magazine The Morning Advertiser. The Sportsman, which holds a Michelin star, also topped the Top 50 Gastropubs list in 2015 and 2016, and has been recognised with numerous accolades in recent years, including winning first place in the 2017 UK National Restaurant Awards. Shepherd Neame CEO Jonathan Neame has been honoured for his contribution to Kent’s food and drink industry.
Jonathan Neame receives his award from Amanda Cottrell, OBE
He was named Food and Drink Hero at the annual Kent Life and Kent on Sunday Food Awards 2017.
The team at the Railway Hotel, Faversham
The Compasses in Crundale near Canterbury, was also recognised at the awards, taking 44th place on the list. It is the latest in a series of accolades for licensees Donna and Rob Taylor, as The Compasses recently won Best Food Pub at the Great British Pub Awards, and Rob was named Mentor of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs. The King’s Head, Wye has also been honoured, receiving the award for Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards, only a few days after being named runner up in the Best Sunday Lunch category of the Observer Food Monthly Awards. The Carriage Restaurant in Faversham has been shortlisted from more than 500 Kent businesses for the Taste of Kent Awards 2018. Situated in the historic Railway Hotel, the restaurant offers traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, using local produce. Following a public vote, The Carriage is battling against three others to be named Kent Restaurant of the Year. It will now go forward to be judged by independent mystery diners, with the winner announced later this year. 11
CELEBRATING A DECADE OF ROMANCE The first couple to get married in the unique surroundings of the Faversham Brewery returned to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. Richard and Karen Snell, from Teynham near Faversham, were the first people to take advantage of the wedding licence
granted to Shepherd Neame in 2007.
a little bit quirky,” explained Richard.
The couple, known as ‘Dicky’ and ‘Tooty’, were married in the brewhouse by the old mash tuns and held their reception in the brewery visitor centre.
On their return to the brewery, the couple, who have five children and nine grandchildren between them, were presented with specially labelled commemorative bottles of beer and a bottle of Champagne.
“We were both beer drinkers and we’re local and we wanted something
Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, or a lavish celebration, the Faversham Brewery can provide the tailor-made wedding day of your dreams.
Dating back more than 300 years, it is a licensed wedding venue with function rooms, offering couples a complete package for the big day.
Richard and Karen Snell
Phone 01795 542285 or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/ visitor-centre/your-wedding
SHEPS PROVES BIG HIT AT KENT COUNTRY FAIR Following on from the success of our pop-up store at Bluewater last year, Shepherd Neame was proud to roll out its second temporary retail venue at the Wealden Times Midwinter Fair. Our presence at the annual event, which takes place at the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, was enthusiastically received as people took the opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping. Gift packs of our Heritage Collection beers and Cherry Brandy proved particularly popular, as did our combination of Cherry Brandy and Prosecco, sold by the glass to weary shoppers. 12
(l-r) Visitor centre team Houston Ansell, Giles Hilton and Joanna Edens at the event