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M A S T E R
BREWER Autumn 2006
www.shepherdneame.co.uk
Hops & Heritage
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Welcome I
n this issue of Master Brewer there is plenty to celebrate: awards, events, pub acquisitions, financial success and flourishing community projects.
As you will read below, we have recorded strong financial results for the previous trading year; including our 31st year of consecutive profit growth. An impressive record such as this is not achieved by accepting the status quo, but by recognising – and in many cases pre-empting – emerging market trends and exploiting them. Arguably, people have never been as concerned as they are now as to the provenance of their food and drink. We pride ourselves on our provenance, most notably our local sourcing and the recent classification of Mineral Water status for the artesian well water used in all our beers. Our efforts to use only the best, locally-sourced, natural resources give our products unrivalled pedigree. We recognise there is no room for complacency. There are challenging times ahead, most immediately the upcoming ban on smoking in pubs. In response to the ban and changing lifestyles, we are developing the outside space across our pub estate. Our first ‘smoke easy’ can be seen in our feature on the Blue Anchor at Crowborough. We have also acquired some landmark properties, including two London pubs steeped in history.
The re-opening of our Visitor Centre allows the public not only to learn about the history of brewing – and the company’s place in it – but also see for themselves the care taken in the brewing of our products. A delightful consequence of the work on the refurbishment was the discovery of a new date which proves the existence of the brewery more than a century before 1698. The coming year will bring fresh challenges, not least rising utility prices, rates and the increasing cost burden of legislation, however, notwithstanding this, we are confident of running a successful and sustainable business for the future.
Jonathan Neame Chief Executive Shepherd Neame
Celebrating 31 years of profit growth A solid performance in a challenging market has enabled the company to record a 31st straight year of profit growth. Highlights of the results for the 53 weeks ended 1 July 2006 included: •
Pre-tax profit up 13.9% to £11.2m
•
Operating profit up 7.3% to £13.0m
•
Earnings per £1 share up 11.0% to 64.5p
•
Dividends per £1 share up 7.5% to 20.0p
•
Turnover up 4.4% to £95.3m
The company experienced strong performance in both the brewing and pub operations. Managed house like-for-like sales were up 4.9%, while tenanted pub sales rose 12.4%. Overall, total beer sales went up 6.1%. Shepherd Neame chairman Miles Templeman said: “I am very pleased the company has achieved its 31st consecutive year of growth. This has been a good performance with strong results in all parts of the business against last year and against expectations. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Chairman and have been impressed by the quality and strength of the business in what is a challenging and changing market.” The Company’s pubs now number 375, based in London and the South-East. Of these, 326 are tenanted and 49 managed. The estate now has more than 200 letting rooms in managed houses.
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Speciality is our strength The recent wave of consolidation among regional brewers appears, for some observers, to be a new and adverse trend. But this does not show the whole picture. environment and contribute to their local community. The market for beer and pubs whether driven by the consumer or regulator or both is now presenting different trends that should benefit those regional and local brewers in a position to exploit them. Initiatives to improve the presentation of beer and to use branded glasses are at last gaining traction with licensees and the consumer. A pint of ale served in a branded lager glass now seems very odd! We have found the growth of beer with food and the growing awareness of different styles of beer is a world wide phenomenon. In Sweden or in the US there is the same consumer fascination with this new “knowledge” as there was with wine
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For the casual observer the evidence may seem overwhelming: rising energy prices, the smoking ban, the power of the big brand, the consolidation of customer base. For the City analysts these market conditions combined with high asset prices provide the obvious circumstances for further consolidation. But this view misunderstands the market and the opportunity in beer. Consolidation has been happening in the industry since 1900, when there were 6,447 breweries in the UK. Furthermore, while there have been brewing closures in one part of the market, this has been more than offset by the explosion in new microbrewery openings at a rate of some 50 per annum. The takeover of five regionals up and down the country, is probably more coincidence than a step change of trend. In the pub market, all the talk today is of the pain of licensing reform and future pressure from the smoking ban. Licensees justifiably smart at government interference and the slur of “Binge Britain”. But they must expect a backlash in the form of much stricter controls over alcohol promotion and retailing. Shepherd Neame does not believe in 24 hour drinking but in retailing alcohol responsibly. The responsible retailer who has the best pub in his local market however, will continue to enjoy a loyal following. Consumers want to be healthier. They want to eat higher quality food and drink finer beverages. Moreover, not only do they want to know how and where these products are sourced, they want to know how they have been manufactured. Our local-sourcing initiative Local Food from Local People has shown customers want to consume fresh, local and, ideally, organic produce. In mistrusting the “establishment”, so too they mistrust big food and drink companies and prefer to identify themselves with small or local brands; brands “with personality”. They want to deal with companies who protect the
15 years ago. Wine meanwhile is in danger of becoming “commoditised” by the overdone promotion of “Merlot” and “Chardonnay” in the supermarkets. For today’s retailer of beer there are plenty of opportunities for selling speciality ales and lagers. In short the market for beer and pubs is reverting again to being more responsible, more local, more fragmented, to being “small” or “speciality”. Those that offer the consumer provenance and a local, branded personality but with contemporary standards of marketing and service – as we do –have a great opportunity. And the seemingly anachronistic regional brewers that have for generations reinvested their cash flow in people, premises, service, brands and their community will continue to prosper if they can recognise these positive trends and can adapt their business to exploit them. ■
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Pride & Provenance
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Wthe visitor centre hat’s new at
The company opened its new brewery visitor experience this summer after a major transformation, which has seen more than £350,000 invested in a refurbishment showcasing previously unseen material. We are aiming to attract 20,000 visitors a year to the brewery to find out how its famous ales like Spitfire are brewed and discover the history of the brewery.
Visitor centre and brewery shop
The Shepherd Neame gift shop is open from Monday to Saturday 10am until 4.30pm
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The old visitor centre has been transformed into a modern visitor experience and the main ‘hub’ of brewery tours, where groups start and finish their tour. The bar area has been completely refurbished, showcasing Shepherd Neame’s range of Kentish ales, speciality lagers and the brewery’s own portfolio of wines and spirits. Improved catering facilities now allow groups to book Kentish lunches in advance. For the first time, the brewery has revealed previously unseen historical documents from the company’s archive – take a closer look on page 8. The display includes historic photographs of the brewery, early Deeds, historic brewing records and employee lists. Documents will be changed on a regular basis to ensure a wide range of material from the archive can be viewed. Upstairs, a stylish function room with stunning bottled beer chandelier centrepiece is available for hire for events and private functions such as wedding receptions. A Brewer’s Garden has been created, featuring plants and herbs historically used in brewing such as thyme, hyssop and meadowsweet. It also features four generations of pub signage, a hop pole pergola, and a copper water rill representing the brewer’s mash tun. A new public entrance allows customers to buy directly from the brewery shop without going through the brewery’s main reception. The shop is a treasure trove for souvenir shoppers, and features a new range of beer and hop-themed gifts and souvenirs. Read more about the gifts on offer in the shop on page 7.
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Tour highlights Moving out of the visitor centre and onto the tour, visitors will see enhancements to the route. The brewery tour takes in the brewhouse with its original 1914 Russian teak mash tuns, a graphic display of the raw materials of brewing and the 21st Century robotic keg plant. A restoration of the brewery’s own cobbled “Street” has specially-commissioned wrought-iron gates at one end. A feature will be installed enabling visitors to see the pure mineral waters of the artesian well, drawn through Kentish Greensand and used to brew the beer. Other new features of the tour include a historic vehicle exhibition showcasing the brewery’s pristine collection of bygone delivery vehicles, including a Thornycroft, a Morris and an Austin from the 1920s, plus a 1951 Reliant Trike van. The recreation of an original Cooper’s shop visualises the art of barrel-making and port, wine and spirits vaults are under construction, telling the story of the brewery’s wine and spirits company Todd’s. Tours end with a tutored tasting of the brewer’s handcrafted Kentish ales, which encourage visitors to appreciate their characteristic hoppy, dry style and distinguish between their flavour profiles. To make a booking telephone Graham Hukins 01795 542016 or book online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk
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HAVE YOURSELF A VERY
Merry Christmas! Make the Shepherd Neame brewery your one-stop shop for unusual beer and hop-themed Christmas gifts and stocking fillers this year! The shop is brimming with unique ideas for any beer lover or local history fan, with a variety of books, gifts and souvenirs. We’ve picked out a few ideas: ● A RANGE OF CHUTNEYS from Classic Preserves, based at nearby Brogdale Horticultural Trust. Try Brewers’ Chutney made with Kentish Vegetables and 1698 and Bishop’s Fruit Chutney made with Kentish Fruit and Bishops Finger, a tasty stocking filler for food lovers or the perfect accompaniment to Christmas dinners. (£2.95) ● HANDMADE KENTISH FUDGE (£3.50) ● AT 6%, THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS ALE is a real treat for beer connoisseurs. Packaged in an attractive gift box, the limited edition ale has notes of sultanas, oranges, raisins and hops and a taste surprisingly reminiscent of Christmas puddings. (£2.25, 500ml, individually boxed) ● THE RELAUNCHED SPITFIRE ADS BOOK makes a fun stocking filler for fans of the popular ad campaign and is the ideal amusement after a particularly heavy Christmas lunch! (£5) ● IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A REALLY SPECIAL GIFT, choose from the sterling silver jewellery with a brewing theme commissioned especially for Shepherd Neame. The jewellery collection includes hop and bottle top cufflinks, barley and hop brooches and barley pendants. (All around £30)
ok. the bo about re o m o read e 20 t ● AND o pag t n r u T
DON’T FORGET… the shop also sells Shepherd Neame’s full range of beers and lagers and accompanying glassware.
CALL IN TO STOCK UP FOR CHRISTMAS! OR SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.SHEPHERDNEAME.CO.UK
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● ALE FANS will be delighted to receive their own pewter ale stoups in a presentation box, made from a design based on an old drinking vessel. (£32.50)
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R
olling back the c
Shepherd Neame’s brewery visitor centre reopened with the surprise news that brewing in Court Street has been going on even earlier than previously thought. The brewery has traditionally taken its foundation date as 1698 but recent research has uncovered evidence of brewing on the site for at least a century before that.
Faversham historian John Owen, acting as honorary archivist, has spent months poring over the many leatherbound ledgers and deeds in the brewery, insurance documents, national and local town records. A former underwriter, John admits “a passion for local archives and local history”. A history graduate and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, he first came into contact with Shepherd Neame when helping research and prepare the maps for Theo Barker’s book on the history of the brewery Shepherd Neame A story that’s been brewing for 300 years, currently on sale in the brewery gift shop. John had been an undergraduate of Theo Barker at the University of Kent in the 1960s. Using local sources, John discovered that William Castlocke
occupied the old abbey brewhouse within the abbey grounds before 1550 and is known to have exported both grain and beer. Brewing was transferred to Court Street from the old abbey brewhouse by John Castlocke, William’s son or grandson, between 1550 and 1573. Castlocke and his son, another John, are named in the Court Street list of names in the Faversham Town Muster and Assessment Rolls between 1573 and 1595. John Castlocke III
bequeathed a brewhouse on the site to his son in 1612, who in turn left his property to his son, another John, in 1651. Records show that Thomas Hilton was brewing on the site in 1650, probably in partnership with his brother in law John Castlocke IV. John is now investigating the period between 1650 and 1678. He says: “We know very little about what was going on at this time, you never quite know where you’re going to find the information. It’s like looking for a needle in a rather large historical haystack.” The next family to come under the spotlight of investigation is the Marsh family. Richard Marsh senior first appears in town records in 1678, paying a ‘Brewer’s Fine’, or fee, indicating that he was brewing from the Court Street site. Around the same time, records show that Marsh took out a mortgage from a Thomas Hilton for the brewery.
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e centuries The Fishmongers Arms in Minster. Samuel was succeeded by three more generations of Shepherd, Julius, Henry and Henry II. By 1825 the brewery owned 26 pubs and by the time the Shepherd family withdrew in 1877 the company owned 77 pubs – 16 of which were in Faversham and 59 in Kent villages. John’s investigations are continuing and some of the historical documents he has uncovered are on show for the first time at the Shepherd Neame’s visitor centre museum. John says, “I feel enormously intrigued by working out what happened and more importantly why it
happened. Not many companies have such a rich and unique past – I feel honoured to be able to piece the jigsaw together but there is still so much more to do.” ■
Key occupiers of brewery site 1573-1876 John Castlocke
1650
Thomas Hilton, probably in partnership with John Castlocke
1678
Richard Marsh
1729
Hilles Hobday (married to widow of Richard Marsh)
1732
Samuel Shepherd
1844
Charles Jones Hilton in partnership with the Shepherds
1848
John Henry Mares in partnership with the Shepherds
1864
Percy Beale Neame in partnership with the Shepherds
1877 - present
Shepherd family sell their interest in the brewery to Percy Beale Neame. Five generations of the Neame family have now run the brewery
STOP PRESS! John Owen has discovered a unique early reference to brewing in Faversham in the town archive. A 1327 tallage, which was a tax paid to the Abbot, lists 255 tradesmen in Faversham, 84 of which are described as brasiatrices – men and women occupied in brewing, malting or ale. Many people would have been brewing ale, as it was consumed as liquid food, and only small amounts were kept for it was an unstable product.
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John says, “Exactly why Richard Marsh pops up in Faversham we don’t know. The Marshes appear to be gentleman farmers from Womenswold, possibly hop farmers. He and his son were both recorded as brewers and had a significant political life in Faversham. Other Faversham people were involved in brewing at the same time, including Alexander Bax, predecessor of Ridgens brewery, whose daughter Mary married Richard Marsh II.” Marsh senior died in 1726, leaving the brewery to his son. Richard Marsh II died a year later, leaving no will. His estate was administered by his widow, Mary, and two official administrators, one of whom was a freeman of Canterbury and wool merchant, Hilles Hobday. Mary Marsh went on to marry Hobday, who appears in 1731 records as a brewer. Hilles Hobday died a year later and Mary married, for the third time, Samuel Shepherd, a widower himself. John has not, as yet, been able to identify where Samuel was born, nor how he came to Faversham. John said: “The best bet at present is via Portsmouth.” Samuel took on the brewery in his wife’s name and in 1736 started acquiring more pubs such as – The Bear in Faversham and
By 1573
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Mineral water New analysis of the brewery’s water has revealed that the quality of the water used to make Shepherd Neame’s beers rivals that of many commercially available mineral waters. Although there are no immediate plans to start selling “eau de Faversham”, the granting of a mineral water licence by the Environment Agency and appropriate authorities confirms what brewers have known for centuries – that the town’s natural water supply is the perfect complement to Kent’s barley, hops and yeast. Utilities manager Fergus SligoYoung said that the water in the centuries-old 8-inch borehole that has served the brewery so well is tested and analysed each month by experts. Regular testing is vital, as the water make-up can change throughout the year, depending on tides and rainfall. The well is 30 metres deep, sunk in water-saturated chalk that forces water to the surface under internal hydrostatic pressure. Because the level of water in the porous rock depends on it filtering through the chalk from high ground all around, the deeper you go, the less the pressure upwards and 90 per cent of the water abstracted comes from the first few metres. Faversham creek is also a factor and it is important to monitor aquifer levels because if the water table were to drop too low, salt water could enter the aquifer. The process is a slow one and it is thought that some of the water in the rock may have been there for about 40 years. Fergus said: “When the company wanted to increase the amount of water abstracted we needed to make sure that what we were doing was sustainable and would not compromise the quality of the aquifer or the level of the water table. “We drilled another borehole, 12 inches in diameter, to see the effect of the test pumping of the existing borehole at a higher rate. We wanted to ensure that it would not cause a significant drop in water levels.
By doing this you can also work out the capacity of the aquifer.” The data collected convinced
experts that the borehole was a stable and sustainable resource and a mineral water licence was granted. ■
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Flying the flag master brewer page 11
Shepherd Neame received its Queen’s Award for Enterprise on October 18 from Her Majesty’s representative, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett CMG. Mr Willett visited the brewery to present Jonathan Neame with an engraved crystal glass trophy and a certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair. Shepherd Neame is one of only seven companies to be honoured in the Sustainable Development category this year. The decision is based upon the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee including representatives of Government, industry and commerce.
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Celebrating the goodness of hops Alecture on the health benefits of hops preceded this year’s annual hop blessing service.
their crop, indicating they may contain beneficial properties. Professor Milligan ended his lecture with the famous quote from Benjamin Franklin: “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Fittingly, the lecture was then followed by a service at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Boughton-under-Blean to give thanks for the hop harvest and to celebrate the benefits of hops and beer.
Professor Stuart Milligan, Professor of Reproductive Biology at Kings College, London, gave his address on “Hops and Health” at the brewery to a group of select guests which included expert brewers and members of the British Guild of Beer Writers. The inaugural East Kent Goldings lecture is designed at promoting research into, and the properties and benefits of hops. Professor Milligan explained the associations between beer, hops and health, stating that historically drinking beer was safer than water and that adding hops to beer made it stay fresher longer. Further historical research shows that hop pickers could be affected by
(Left to right) Jonathan and Lucie Neame and daughter Violette with the Reverend Will Mowll at this year’s Hop Blessing.
Recent research has uncovered over 1,000 different natural chemicals in hops and this has led to further research into hops and their medicinal value.
Did you know? ■
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■ ■
Beer contains silicon, good for strong bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis Beer is high in vitamin B9 (folate). One pint delivers as much as 100 glasses of wine Hops are a natural antibiotic Hops are high in antioxidants
Professor Stuart Milligan
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8g of alcohol is considered one unit in the UK, but in Austria one unit is the equivalent of 20g of alcohol The recommended level of moderate drinking per week for men is 280g in Australia, 252g in Denmark, 210g in Ireland – and 168g in the UK
A glass of wine isn’t what it used to be… Ten years ago, it probably meant 125ml of light German wine of 9-10% alcohol i.e. one unit. Today’s glass is more likely to contain 250ml of Australian red at 14% alcohol i.e. 3.5 units.
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p y y a p Ho d s Thousands flocked to Faversham in September for the 15th Faversham Hop Festival, held annually in celebration of the most important ingredient of Britain’s favourite drink.
Some of Italy’s biggest distributors visited the festival
A Hop Festival highlight, The Spitfire hop pickers steam train chugged its traditional journey from London to Faversham and for the first time from Brighton to Faversham. A celebratory Hop Festival Ale, brewed using fresh green hops, was available on the train, on draught at the brewery and throughout the town’s pubs.
Visitors from Tazaki Foods and Asahi enjoyed the day
Beer –
the right choice
(Left to right) Richard Corbett, Jonathan Neame and Sharon Bowles at the visitor centre
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Company directors and brewing staff hosted a visit to the brewery by Members of the European Parliament and the British Guild of Beer Writers. The group, which included Richard Corbett, Labour MEP for Yorkshire and chairman of the British Beer Club in the European Union and Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat MEP for south east England, were given a brewery tour followed by a special dinner where locally sourced food was matched with lagers and ales brewed by Shepherd Neame.
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T
he company has undertaken a major series of pub acquisitions in recent months, investing £13.5 million in pubs in London, East Sussex and Kent. For the first time, Shepherd Neame has expanded geographically into Hampshire, purchasing two pubs on the Hampshire-Surrey border.
Property and tenanted trade director, George Barnes said: “We are delighted to have acquired pubs of such quality and variety. They contribute towards the high calibre of the Shepherd Neame brand. This broadening of our portfolio across London, Kent, Sussex and Hampshire is excellent news; look out for another significant acquisition soon.” Here we take a look at the new line-up of high-profile houses and landmark properties throughout the south east.
London The company has acquired two high-profile, historic central London pubs, which will be run as part of the managed pub estate.
The Tom Cribb, SW1
Pubs to be
proud o
Situated on Panton Street off Piccadilly Circus, the Tom Cribb is named after the early 19th century English bare knuckle boxer. Cribb became a world champion and upon his retirement ran the pub, which was then called the Union Arms. The Tom Cribb is a small, bustling pub tucked a stone’s throw away from the West End’s famous theatres. The attractive early 18th century building has a Victorian façade with wrought iron railings and traditional dark wood interior. The pub is managed by Michael Harris.
The East India Arms, EC3 The East India Arms, on Fenchurch Street, is a traditional meeting house, particularly for traders in insurance. It takes its name from the East India Trading Company and stands in the company’s former commercial centre. The handsome pub is in the heart of the City, next to Fenchurch Street station. With strong lunchtime
and commuter custom, it is famed for its good quality ales. The pub’s manager is Bob Benton.
Kent The Tudor Rose, Borden The Tudor Rose, at Borden near Sittingbourne, will be run as part of the company’s managed pub estate. Situated just off the A249, the pub dates back to the 18th century, and was originally two cottages. It is a traditional pub adorned with hanging baskets and flowering planters throughout the spring and summer. Inside, there is a bar and a conservatory restaurant, with a restaurant area upstairs, which will be offered as a function room in the New Year. The Tudor Rose is well known for its extensive menu and good quality carvery, where customers can choose as much as they like from an impressive range of starters, main meals and desserts. The pub also has a secluded garden and will be run by Karl and Sarah Phillips.
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East Sussex The Bull Inn, Newick Dating back to 1510, the Bull Inn features oak beam ceilings, an open fire and a large, popular restaurant in a former milking parlour. It is alleged the name The Bull does not relate to livestock however, but instead refers to a Papal Bull, a religious edict paper. Famed for its Bonfire Night celebrations, Newick is the halfway point on the old Pilgrim route between Canterbury and Winchester and the Bull Inn is a popular resting place between the two cities. Situated on the A272, it is also just half an hour from Gatwick Airport.
d of The inn has eight double/twin ensuite rooms in a converted coaching house. A four-poster room, one room with a lounge and kitchenette and another with special facilities for disabled guests are all available. The licensee is John Williams.
The Lamb Inn, Ripe
Now, a chequered brick exterior and cosy interior with lots of alcoves give the pub a traditional look and feel. The licensees are Julian and Clare Reynish. Julian said: “We’re situated in an area which is popular with walkers; a
village offering good quality pub food, with ample parking and a large garden. It is well-known for having a 40ft wishing well in the middle of the pub! Licensee Fiona Airey said: “The pub is steeped in history and we’re very active in the community. We host all manner of entertainment events, including a wassailing festival on Twelfth Night.”
Hampshire The Crown & Cushion, Blackwater
2.5 mile circular walk starts and finishes at The Lamb, taking ramblers along country lanes and over fields. You’ll find welcome refreshment at the pub in the form of a menu of freshly prepared, home-cooked food complemented by Shepherd Neame ales.“
Caxton Arms, Brighton The Caxton Arms is a vibrant city centre pub located just off the Queen’s Road at North Gardens. It is popular with regulars and day-trippers alike and is close to both the station and the beach. James Brett is the new licensee of the pub. He said: “I’m looking to renovate both the kitchen and the menu – with a focus on using local, seasonal ingredients. The pub will serve traditional ales from Britain’s oldest brewer, including Kent’s Best and Spitfire.
The Royal Oak, Whatlington Situated north of Hastings on the A21, the Royal Oak is an attractive country pub on the outskirts of the
The Crown & Cushion at Blackwater near Camberley, is a pub with a unique history. Situated on the Surrey-Hampshire border and originally built as a private house in 1512, it has been a pub since 1596. It takes its name from the plot in 1671 by Colonel Thomas Blood to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Blood is the only person in history to successfully steal the crown. He fled to the pub where his girlfriend lived and was caught there by Charles II’s men and taken to the Tower to be interrogated. Afraid that Blood had already been killed, his girlfriend, whose surname was Cushion, drowned herself. Her ghost is now said to haunt the building and the pub was named in reference to the event. Situated next to a cricket ground, the Crown and Cushion is a charming, traditional pub. Two fireplaces, as well as candles on the tables create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. The pub also boasts a large function room which was constructed from two renovated 16th century barns brought to the pub from Devon. The pub’s garden overlooks the adjacent cricket ground and there is further seating at the front of the pub.
Plough & Horses, Cove near Farnborough The Plough & Horses is a late Victorian brick-built pub, popular with locals and visitors alike and is lent character by its numerous alcoves and an open fire. Customers will find welcome refreshment at the pub in the form of a menu of freshly prepared, homecooked food complemented by a range of Shepherd Neame products. The pub’s new manager is Aaron Davis.
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Nestled in the South Downs not far from Glyndebourne Opera House and the picturesque town of Lewes, The Lamb Inn is a charming 18th century country pub with an attractive garden. The building was originally farmworkers’ cottages and once formed part of the Village Hall.
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Vine Inn, Tenterden Historic pub The Vine Inn in Tenterden has been given a major £650,000 transformation. The Vine, in the town’s High Street, has been transformed into a food-led community pub, run by managers Caroline and Martyn Cotton. Originally built in the 18th century, the building is on the former Tenterden brewery site, which was named after its
owner, Obadiah Edwards. Acquired by Shepherd Neame in 1922, the building has a Victorian front and incorporates different architectural styles. As you enter the pub the high ceilings of the pub’s Victorian front remain, and a grand, airy bar area has been created. Moving through into the main 18th century body of the building, low ceilings and fireplaces more typical of this period add to the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere more suited to dining and relaxing. The pub uses dark wood furniture, carpeting throughout and small ‘snug’ areas create a traditional yet stylish atmosphere, with modern touches such as plasma screens. The previous function room is now a spacious 70-seater restaurant with feature fireplaces and the kitchen has been extended. A contemporary conservatory area has been added at the rear of the building, providing a warm, bright seating area. A new garden allows drinkers to sit outside in warmer weather, using striking slate and oak sleepers for a contemporary effect.
The Bricklayers Arms, Bromley
Pub
refu
The Bricklayers Arms, in Mason Hill, Bromley, is celebrating the addition of an attractive outdoor seating area, following a £100,000 refurbishment. The pub has significantly extended its floorspace with the addition of an attractive outdoor area on two levels for al fresco eating and drinking. Meanwhile, the interior has been redecorated, newly furnished and air conditioning has been installed. Run by one of the brewery’s longest serving licensees, George and Pam Pearson, The Bricklayers Arms is now well equipped to provide outdoor facilities for smokers when the smoking ban comes into force. Says George: “The brewery came to us with an idea to convert a derelict garage area at the back of the pub and it is now a smart, covered area with a mezzanine floor which opens out on one side to provide cover and protection from the wind. The area is decorated with planters, and there are heaters to provide extra warmth.”
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BEATING THE DROUGHT The blistering dry summer of 2006 hasn’t been kind to gardeners in the South East but the winners of this year’s pub garden awards have proved that, with a little ingenuity, it’s still possible to create a beautiful setting for customers to eat, drink and relax. Jeff Lenham, of the Deal Hoy in Duke Street, Deal, winner of the Small Garden and Hanging Baskets award, has spent more than £7,000 on decking, furniture and plants over the last year and a half. But his best investment has been in water recycling. “We realised that we were wasting hundreds of litres of water left over from the ice-making machine, the washing up and rainwater,” said Jeff. He rigged equipment to filter used water into a holding tank and the pub now has 1,000 litres of water available each week to use on the garden. “It’s been a lot of hard work but I’m looking forward to seeing my water bill,” said Jeff. Meanwhile Sue Chappell, at The Horse and Groom, Rushlake Green, has used her knowledge of plants to beat the drought and win the ‘Large Garden of the Year’ award. Sue said: “We have spent eight years creating a mature, cottage-style garden, which is quite unusual for a pub. We chose deep-rooted perennials so we don’t have to worry too much about watering in this year’s dry conditions. We don’t have any bedding plants – they are expensive and labour-intensive.” Both winners receive £250 worth of vouchers, which can be spent on gardening accessories or a holiday.
Blue Anchor, Crowborough
furbs
The Blue Anchor at Crowborough, an 18th century inn on Beacon Road, has had a £125,000 refurbishment. Local licensing officer Steve Norton, from Wealden District Council, joined Jonathan Neame in September to reopen the pub. The main feature of the refurbishment is the creation of a stylish, heated terrace garden covered by contemporary canopy, which will allow for outside drinking and dining in all weather conditions. The pub’s two bar areas and large restaurant have been completely refurbished and redecorated and, behind the scenes, improvements have been made to the kitchen areas. The Blue Anchor also has a children’s play area and large car park.
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CAMRA votes Mabel’s Best Pub in North London Mabel’s Tavern, a managed house, in Mabledon Place, Bloomsbury, has been voted Pub of the Year by members of the North London Branch of CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale).
By George! Marie and Chris Annand, licensees of The George at Newnham, are celebrating after becoming finalists in top wine trade competition The Big French Wine Match. The highly competitive contest, now in its fifth year, invites the country’s leading restaurateurs, sommeliers and chefs to put their noses and palates to the test to select the ultimate food and wine combination. To enter, Marie and Chris worked with assistant chef Mary Howe to put together a menu which demonstrated their passion for and understanding of French wines. They submitted the following match: Pan fried fillet of sea bass matched with Pouilly Fumé Domaine du Petit Soumard 2004 Kentish half shoulder of lamb matched with Côtes du Rhône Villages Chateau Signac 2003 The George was among four venues to reach the final of the Pubs and Wine Bars category, held at The Restaurant Show at Olympia, London, this September. At the show the finalists were challenged to find the best French wine for each course of a menu specially designed by highly regarded chef Richard Corrigan. The eventual winner was the Thomas Cubitt in London.
(Left to right) licensee Tom Milne, John Cryne and assistant manager Sahbi Hmida
Mabel’s was chosen from more than 800 public houses in the area for its long-term commitment to real ale and for its friendly welcome. John Cryne, Chairman of North London CAMRA said: “Mabel’s has consistently sold good real ale over a number of years to appreciative customers from all sorts of backgrounds and this is why the pub
has appeared in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for many years.” The pub is named after a former landlady called Mabel Macinelly, who died in 1972, and is said to haunt the pub. Staff claim to have heard her calling out and the noise of the dumb waiter operating, even though the apparatus was removed many years ago! ■
Horse & Groom breaks into the Top 30 Horse & Groom, Rushlake Green has been voted one of Britain’s 30 top gastro pubs in a survey by PubChef magazine. The PubChef magazine Top 30 Gastro Pub Awards recognise the achievements of the pub industry’s culinary elite. Three hundred of the leading experts on pub food in the UK, including gastro pub operators, chefs, restaurant critics and food writers, were asked to name their top three UK gastro pubs in any part of the UK. The 15th century Horse & Groom,
run by licensees Mike and Sue Chappell, was placed number 30 in the poll. Mike and his head chef, Mark Winter, aim to serve quality, fresh food by using local markets and using local suppliers. In the award citation, the editor of PubChef, Jo Bruce, said: “The Chappells have created a welcoming and cosy atmosphere to the pub that does justice to its history.” ■
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Dray brings Best in Show Chelsea bells home Garden lives on at pub Dowle’s award-winning 2005 Chelsea Flower to church Julian Show garden, a nostalgic vision of wartime Blighty, has The village of Cliffe opened to the public at The New Flying Horse, Wye. celebrated the return of its Chelsea pensioners and staff from restored church bells with The Royal Hospital joined Julian Dowle Shepherd Neame president free beer in the Six Bells pub and Robert Neame along with almost 60 guests for a celebratory garden party – which takes its name from to mark the completion of the garden. the bells in St Helen’s church Robert Neame presented a cheque for £1,000 for the Royal next door. Licensees of The Six Bells, Bob and Jane Brandon, celebrated the occasion by handing out vouchers for 160 free pints of ale as the bells were returned to the village on a traditional Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger dray lorry, provided by the brewery to take the bells to and from the restorers in Loughborough, Leicestershire. Cliffe villagers spent the day enjoying a Victorian fete with a hog roast and entertainment to raise money for the restoration project – ironically there are actually eight bells as two trebles were added to the traditional ring of six in 1860! ■
Hospital Appeal, which will be the pub’s nominated charity. Last year, Chelsea pensioners contributed their own ideas to the garden which incorporated welcome home bunting, a ‘Dig for Victory’ vegetable garden, a pond, a field of poppies and a traditional English pub, for which the brewery supplied furniture, a special ‘Chelsea Pensioner’ pub sign, and some Spitfire. In August 2005, Shepherd Neame donated £12,500 to the Royal Hospital Appeal in return for the designs – raising money for a £35 million appeal to refurbish the Royal Hospital Chelsea to modern care home standards. Installing the garden at the New Flying Horse has involved splitting up elements of the original design and incorporating them into the existing garden, which covers more than an acre. The design was interpreted by Canterbury-based garden designer Trevor Tooth, who collaborated with
Julian Dowle throughout the installation. The vegetable production for the garden has been grown entirely by the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where pensioners worked from a 1939 seed catalogue. Runner beans, Savoy cabbages, carrots and lettuces have been grown and transported to the New Flying Horse. ■
Out
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Licensees Bob and Jane Brandon welcome back the newly restored church bells on the back of a Shepherd Neame dray.
& about
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Bishops Finger tells a Kentish tale A £250,000 campaign for Bishops Finger, created by top advertising agency J Walter Thompson, has reinforced the brewery’s reputation for high-impact advertising, featuring double-page spreads in lifestyle publications such as GQ, Time Out and FHM. The advertisements showed Chaucerian images of medieval maidens tempting beer drinkers to enjoy Bishops Finger with copylines such as “Nothing tickles my fancy like a Bishops Finger” and “I like mine strong, dark and handsome”. Each advertisement has a strapline declaring: “At 5.4% it’s near the knuckle”. Sales and marketing director Graeme Craig said: “The style of the adverts evokes the spirit of Chaucer’s medieval England and draws on Blackadder-style humour. We are now trying to attract male drinkers in their 20s and 30s. We carried out focus group research and reaction to the ads has been extremely positive.
Cartoon capers Spitfire humour took a new turn in the summer as Viz cartoonist Graham Dury, the creator of Roger Mellie, was commissioned to draw a series of comic strips finding fun in the triumphs and tribulations of a brave team of Tommies preparing for the World Cup Finals. The Road to Berlin strips, published in the London Evening Standard, paid homage to adventure comics, such as The Victor and Commando, with the addition of some tongue-in-cheek Spitfire laughs! The best of the strips are featured in a revised and updated version of The Bottle of Britain Campaign charity book due to be published this autumn. The Bottle of Britain Campaign MkII includes all the old favourites from the first edition and the best of the new advertisements published during the last year. Readers can also discover more authentic RAF banter and “Ones that Got Away” – previously unpublished Spitfire advertisements. Proceeds from sales of the book will continue to be used to support the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
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New look for Sun Lik Sun Lik Beer premium Chinese lager, brewed under licence at Faversham, has a new-look draught font. Sun Lik Beer sales manager Olly Scott said: “The new, illuminated font unifies the traditional and modern; a brushed aluminum finish features the ghost image of the Sun Lik Beer dragon and the brand name in Chinese characters. “This redesign consolidates Shepherd Neame’s commitment to Sun Lik Beer. Our Asian beers, including Kingfisher and Asahi, are performing very well; however, a refreshed look to draught Sun Lik Beer should help enhance market penetration.”
Double Award Win for
1698
1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale has been voted one of the world’s top 50 beers. The quality and style of 1698 was recognised by the International Beer Challenge, a select panel of expert judges, including beer critics, current and former brewers, buyers and retailers, chaired by Jeff Evans, the leading authority on bottle-conditioned ales. Production and distribution director Ian Dixon said: “1698 is a unique bottle-conditioned ale. Our talented team of brewers and designers worked hard to create an attractively-packaged and memorable beer, and for it to merit a place in the World Top 50 does them all great credit.” The International Beer Challenge experts spent two days blind-tasting hundreds of beers and ciders for flavour before inspecting each bottle to give additional marks for packaging. 1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale also won a gold award in the British Bottlers’ Institute 2006 Ales, Lagers, Ciders and English and Welsh Wines Competition. It is one of five beers brewed by our team at Faversham to shine in the awards. Seasonal ale Late Red and Hong Kong classic Sun Lik, brewed on licence, achieved silver awards, while Kent favourites Whitstable Bay Organic Ale and Bishops Finger, now available in a 750ml bottle, received diplomas.
1698 – A Special Ale from a Special Place 1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale uses only local hops and malted barley and pulls water direct from our artesian well. Hops are added three times, hence it is ‘thrice hopped’. “A generously malty ale whose leisurely toffee, butter and sultana flavours are kept clean and balanced by lavish use of fragrant Kentish hops.” Andrew Jefford Shepherd Neame’s brewery has stood by the meandering salt creek in the ancient port of Faversham for over 300 years. A Royal Court to the Kings of Kent, the town holds no less than 17 Royal Charters and is one of the few allowed to use the “three lions crest” from the Royal Arms.
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Brand news
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Honouring a hero Bill Marshall, a Spitfire pilot who risked death by firing on a V1 flying bomb at point blank range to prevent it falling onto the town of Lydd has been honoured with a plaque and display at The Royal Mail, in Park Street, thanks to Shepherd Neame. Pamela Marshall, the widow of Bill Marshall, who went on to become a leading racehorse trainer, travelled to Kent from their home in Barbados for the unveiling of the plaque in a ceremony attended by the Barbados High Commissioner and other dignitaries. Patrolling the skies over Kent in July, 1944, Marshall spotted the “doodlebug”, but before he was able to withdraw to a safe shooting distance the bomb’s engine cut out. Realising that if he did not take Pamela Marshall, Bill’s widow with Jonathan Neame at the unveiling immediate action, the weapon would fall on the town, he risked his life by firing from close range and destroying it. The blast blew a large hole in the Spitfire’s radiator and Bill’s leg, but he was lucky to make it back to his base at West Malling. Four days later, he received a message from Lydd’s mayor, Gordon Paine, thanking him for saving the town, which escaped with no loss of life and a few broken windows. Marshall survived the war and went on to become a leading racehorse trainer, holding the record Bill Marshall as the only person to have saddled winners from stables on four continents. ■
Eleven years of caring A total of £66,000 worth of cheques was handed over to the county’s hospices in September – the proceeds of this year’s Kent Charity Walk organised by Shepherd Neame and the Kent Messenger newspaper group. Jonathan Neame joined KM group chairman Geraldine Allinson to present 10 cheques of £6,600 each to the Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Margate, Demelza House Children’s Hospice in Sittingbourne, Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, the Lions Hospice in Northfleet, the Ellenor Foundation in Dartford, Hospice in the Weald in Pembury, Rochester’s Wisdom Hospice and St Christopher’s Hospice in Bromley. Speaking at the Mansion House at Port Lympne wild animal park, Jonathan Neame said: “This year’s walk at the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, near Sittingbourne, was very wet, very muddy and very difficult but everyone completed their task with
great cheer and were given wonderful support. Given the conditions, we are especially grateful to everyone involved.” John Ashelford, from the Hospice in the Weald, said: “It is a tremendous event and we can only do it with Shepherd Neame and the Kent Messenger Group’s help.” The partnership between the Kent
brewers and the newspaper group has now raised a total of £680,000 for Kent hospices over 11 years of charity walks. Lindsay Goode, from the Pilgrims Hospices, said: “We are grateful for everything that Shepherd Neame and the Kent Messenger do for us. The amount of money they have raised is phenomenal.” ■
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Dawn to Dusk Spitfire Challenge Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale supported the inaugural Dawn to Dusk Spitfire Challenge 2006. The Challenge involved an epic nationwide journey aimed at raising funds and awareness for Flying Scholarship for the Disabled, a charity that trains disabled people to fly. Pilots Steve Bridgewater and Louise Walker covered more than 1,000 miles around the UK, visiting 14 airfields during their 14 hour flight. The event marked the 70th anniversary of the Spitfire. Mandy Pantall benefited from a scholarship provided by the charity: “These scholarships really do change people’s lives. It has given me the chance to regain the gusto and excitement for life that had previously been so definitive of me, and that up until last year I thought I had lost forever.”
Brand development manager Charlie Holland and national sales manager Roger Harrison celebrate the launch with pilots Steve Bridgewater and Louise Walker
The Great Escape
Hundreds of party-goers enjoyed Spitfire and Oranjeboom whilst they danced until 3am. Event organiser Jamie Emsell said “The event was a huge success. We raised a
great deal of money for Spinal Research and gave exposure to some fantastic new bands. We certainly could not have done it without Shepherd Neame’s support.”
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The company’s ability to serve beer at optimum temperature just about anywhere has been put to the test at a music festival in East Sussex. Shepherd Neame were one of the major sponsors of “The Great Escape” – an event held in a remote field near Maresfield. The festival was in aid of the charity Spinal Research and featured up-andcoming music acts and DJs. Area manager Christian Hamilton ran the Shepherd Neame bar with staff from the Harbour Club, a local freetrade account.
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Cricket match honours Kent’s finest Shepherd Neame sponsored a unique cricket match in which a village team took on a team of world class cricketers to honour the memory of Kent and England legend Brian Luckhurst, who died last year. His local village team, Alkham Cricket Club managed to hang on for an honourable draw against an Old England team led by John Lever in front of a crowd of 500 to raise more than £5,000 for the Mountbatten Centre in Canterbury, where cancer-victim Brian was treated in the last year of his life.
Sport
Increased sponsorship Another successful season of cricket sponsorship has come to an end, with both the Essex Eagles and the Kent Spitfires involved in some high profile matches. Backing for the game at grassroots level continues and the brewery is to spread its sponsorship net even wider by supporting the Middlesex County Cricket League next season.
Kent Cricketers inspired with Spitfire Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale has been immortalised in song thanks to a CD single released by its namesake county cricket team, the Kent Spitfires. It is believed to be the first time a county cricket side has released a single. The song, entitled ‘This Is Our Time’, was written by New Zealand born singer-songwriter Ryan Edwards and features the vocal talents of players including David Fulton and Martin Saggers. Shepherd Neame sales and marketing director Graeme Craig said: “As Britain’s oldest brewer we have a varied history, but this is definitely the first time our beer has been mentioned in song. However, there are no plans to put it on the jukeboxes in Shepherd Neame’s pubs just yet!”
Essex County Cricket Club’s one-day side, the Essex Eagles, sponsored by Shepherd Neame, celebrated topping the NatWest Pro-40 Cricket league Division 1, despite losing their final game of the season at Durham.
Published on behalf of Shepherd Neame by Edwards Harvey, The Mill House, Hollingworth Court, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5PP Designed by Breeze Artwork 01634 235145 Printed on 80% recycled stock that has been awarded the NAPM and Eugropa recycled certificates
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Eagles flying high
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M A S T E R
BREWER Autumn 2006