CELEBRATING BEER AND PUBS ISSUE 7 / SPRING 2020 / FREE
Issue 7
WELCOME
We celebrate the importance of live music in pubs, after one of our seaside sites was recently recommended by a national newspaper as one of the 10 best gig venues in the UK.
Girl power We unveil two fantastic new ales created by female brewers
6 Listen to this Discover more about the thriving live music scene in our pubs
The celebrations continue with a feature to mark the 1st birthday of our popular Cask Club initiative, looking back at the highlights of the past 12 months and unveiling some of the new brews planned for 2020.
8 Meet the Maker Combining local produce and global flavours
In the latest of our Meet the Maker series showcasing our local independent suppliers, we focus on Karimix, which produces delicious handmade pickles, relishes, chutneys, curry pastes and sauces with a spicy twist. And you can also find out which of our historic country pubs has transformed a disused barn into four beautiful guest rooms, and take a first look at newly refurbished riverside bar The Lord Nelson in Dover. If you have any feedback on this issue, or would like to suggest topics for future features, please get in touch. Enjoy!
Spring 2020
4
Welcome to the first Oast of 2020! Spring has officially sprung, and in this edition we unveil our delicious new seasonal menu showcasing some of the fantastic produce on offer at this time of year. You can discover more about the historic relationship between women and beer, as part of our feature on two talented female brewsters who have been hard at work with our team creating new beers for a forthcoming festival.
|
9 Pubs news Historic village pub transforms disused barn into guest rooms
Kathryn Tye ktye@shepherdneame.co.uk 01795 542259
12 Brands news Don’t miss our latest Cask Club innovations
14 Sheps news Using small change to make a big difference
Editorial: Kathryn Tye Johnny Homer Photography: Frankie Julian Martin Apps Sonja Earl Design: Go Vicinity Creative www.govicinity.com 01227 760116
15 Five minutes with... Olly Scott, Shepherd Neame’s Head of Export Sales
3
Oast Magazine
|
Shepherd Neame
Belinda Gould, co-founder of New Zealand brewery Brew Moon
“Beer is a man’s drink.” It’s a stereotype that has been around for years, with beer and brewing traditionally perceived as a male domain. But we may be starting to call time on that gender divide. The past decade has seen radical changes in the industry, with the craft beer revolution prompting a surge in the number of new breweries and variety of beers available. This diversification of the beer market has attracted a new generation of male – and female – drinkers, keen to experiment with the wealth of new products available. And we aren’t just seeing an increase in the number of women drinking beer. More and more women are pursuing careers in the industry, brewing beer. Our Brewing Planning Manager Nicola Allen joined Shepherd Neame 16 years ago, and spent six years working as a Shift Brewer. She has just finished work on a new beer, titled In the Nic of Time (4.8% ABV). It is a Spring Pale Ale, golden in colour, which boasts a floral aroma, citrusy zesty flavour and a light bitterness. She said: “I wanted it to be an easy to drink, hoppy beer, and I’m really proud of the finished result.” Her beer was commissioned by Wetherspoon’s for its Spring Real Ale Festival. It is taking place from March 25 to April 5 and will be showcasing 18 beers made by female brewers from the UK and around the world, as part of an effort to celebrate their contribution to the industry.
4
TAPPING INTO A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE Nicola said: “I worked as a Shift Brewer for six years, but my current role is more desk-based, planning the brewing and beer movements to packaging lines, so it was great to have the opportunity to devise a new recipe and get back into the brewhouse.” She added: “I am really pleased that the festival will be celebrating female brewers. It is a fascinating career to get into, creating a really interesting product, but I still think that some women have misconceptions about beer and don’t consider working in the industry. There are so many different products available, there is something to suit all tastes. Beer is for everyone.” Another self-described ‘brewster’, Belinda Gould, who co-founded New Zealand’s Brew Moon brewery in 2002, also visited Shepherd Neame recently to collaborate on a new beer for the Wetherspoon’s Spring Real Ale Festival. She and the team have created Antipodean Ale (5.5% ABV), which combines Galaxy hops from Australia and Kohatu hops from New Zealand with a selection of English malts, namely Ale, Lager, Light Crystal and Munich. Belinda said: “The majority of the beer we make at Brew Moon is kegged, so it was fantastic to experience brewing a cask ale. I have a number of friends from Kent who had recommended Shepherd Neame beers, so when I was invited by Wetherspoon’s to come over to the UK and work on a collaboration, they were my first choice. It was fascinating to work in the historic surroundings of Britain’s oldest brewer, and we
had a great time. I’m really pleased with the beer we have created.” Originally a winemaker before launching Brew Moon, Belinda describes herself as a lifelong beer drinker. She is delighted to help promote awareness of female brewers. She said: “Brewing is traditionally male-dominated but the only reason for that is tradition. There is absolutely nothing to prevent women being brewers. This festival is a great thing, as it will help raise awareness among drinkers that women brew beer, and may also encourage more women to drink it!”
“
THERE ARE SO MANY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, THERE IS SOMETHING TO SUIT ALL TASTES – BEER IS FOR EVERYONE
Issue 7
|
Spring 2020
Q&A WITH NICOLA ALLEN Nicola Allen, 39, lives in Faversham with her husband and two children. She has worked for Shepherd Neame for 16 years, joining as an Administrator in the engineering team, then working as a Shift Manager in the bottling department, Shift Brewer, and Process Improvement Engineer. She has held her current role as Brewing Planning Manager since 2016. Why did you join Shepherd Neame? I have always loved fixing things, and initially wanted to be a car mechanic. I studied Engineering at Hertfordshire University, which is when I became really interested in manufacturing, so I continued my studies with a Masters in Manufacturing Management. I grew up in Canterbury, so knew lots about Shepherd Neame and always thought that it would be an interesting place to work. I sent in my CV on the off-chance they might have a role, and was working for them within a couple of weeks.
Brewing Planning Manager Nicola Allen has created a new Spring Pale Ale
What do you enjoy about your role? My job is to plan the brewing and beer movements to packaging lines. I like problem solving, so really enjoy working out ways of keeping things moving between departments. I pride myself on remaining calm under pressure. I also love working in a team, particularly at Shepherd Neame, as everyone here really cares about the beer they put out. What does a typical day involve? I have two young children, so I am in the office from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, so I can do the school run. I then complete the rest of my hours at home in the evening. I have always worked full-time, and after having my children, the team at Shepherd Neame were happy to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
DID WOMEN CREATE BEER? It could be argued that with the rise of female interest in beer and brewing, history is coming full circle. Beer is thought to have been invented by the Sumerians, who lived in what is now Iraq, around 8,000 BC and ancient tablets have been unearthed showing the original brewers were women. The Sumerians even had a goddess of beer, Ninkasi. Until the early 15th century, when hops first came into use in England and brewing
Have you experienced any gender-related challenges? It was initially difficult joining a traditionally male-dominated environment. When I joined Shepherd Neame I was the only woman in the engineering department - they initially assumed I had joined as a secretary! But the team were fantastic and made me feel really welcome. I was always confident in my abilities and determined to succeed. I love what I do and am really proud of what I have achieved.
developed into a substantial industry, most ale and beer was still produced by women, known as brewsters. Records from our home town of Faversham in 1327 show all of the 87 brewers operating in the town were women. The late 16th century saw the decline of brewing as a household art and the rise of the male-dominated ‘beer business’ had begun, with commercial, large-scale brewing. Women made a brief return to the industry during the First and Second World War, when they filled many of the brewery roles typically occupied by men.
5
Oast Magazine
|
Shepherd Neame
When you next see a musician performing to a huge crowd of fans, perhaps at a stadium or on a festival stage, just think – they probably started out playing in a pub. Every night of the week, live music events in every genre imaginable are being hosted in pubs around the UK - arguably the unsung heroes of the music industry. The importance of pubs to the UK’s music scene was recently highlighted by The Guardian newspaper, which asked its readers to nominate their favourite live music pubs in the UK. The Duke of Cumberland in Whitstable was rated in the top ten. The national recognition was a much welcomed surprise for licensee Sarah Smith and her team. Sarah said: “We were absolutely delighted to get mentioned in the article, especially as all the pubs featured were recommended by readers. It’s great to know that our customers support what we are doing and put us forward.” The historic Shepherd Neame pub, a Grade II Listed building dating back to the 1700s, is situated in the heart of the seaside town, overlooking the High Street. Sarah took it on back in 2011 with business partners Tony Tarrats and Annie Foreman. They have slowly but surely set about transforming The Duke into a live music venue which is now widely regarded as one of the best in the whole country, as indicated by The Guardian poll.
“
MUSIC CAN BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
”
“It’s been a long journey,” said Sarah. “But from the start we wanted to make the place more inclusive, and that extends to the music we feature. It’s a real hotchpotch of styles, there really is something for everyone.” The large rear room, which for much of its history was a rather grand billiards hall, now hosts an eclectic and highly varied list of live acts. Over the past few years the venue has hosted such high profile artists as Finley Quaye, dub music pioneer Lee Scratch Perry, hip hop veterans The Sugarhill Gang, punk survivors Stiff Little Fingers and American soul and jazz legend Roy Ayers, to name just a few.
LIVE AND KICKING Sarah said: “The atmosphere is simply unique, and that’s helped by the fact that our customers are very loyal and very much into their music. And although we’ve had some big names over the years, most events are free.”
Also a Grade II Listed pub, dating back to the late 1800s, it has long enjoyed a reputation as a great live music venue. It was taken over by licensee Jonny Henfrey in April last year and he has been keen to maintain the pub’s musical connections.
The Duke’s Sunday afternoon live sessions have become something of a Whitstable institution. Rock and roll revivalists Bamboozle, pictured, recently played a storming set.
“There is a really great music scene in Broadstairs and local people really know their stuff,” said Jonny, who is a DJ in his own right and also fronts a reggae band, The Tritones. “There are a lot of musos in Thanet and when they visit the Neptune we have to make sure the music is good.
“Everyone is welcome on Sunday afternoon,” confirmed Sarah. “It’s a real family affair.” Another Shepherd Neame pub renowned for its music offer is the Neptune’s Hall in Broadstairs.
The campaign was also supported by iconic punk band The Stranglers, who as The Guildford Stranglers had played their first live concert at the pub back in 1974. They attended a special ceremony at The Star to unveil a commemorative plaque and played a short acoustic set in the Back Room.
PRESERVING OUR MUSICAL HERITAGE
Following the campaign, the noise abatement notice was quashed in July 2019, and the pub has continued to thrive as a live venue, proving itself an essential and much-loved part of the local music scene.
Shepherd Neame pub The Star Inn in Guildford has been at the centre of the live music scene in Surrey since the early 1970s, its famous Back Room providing a space in which to showcase new and established acts. But its ability to host performances was thrown into doubt back in October 2018, when Guildford Borough Council served a noise abatement notice following a complaint from a developer who had converted a nearby former office building into flats.
6
“As a pub we are an essential venue for both the Broadstairs Blues Bash and also Broadstairs Folk Week. We also host a number of live artists
The Stranglers unveil their plaque
We appealed the notice and a campaign was subsequently launched to fight it, with a petition soon attracting more than 20,000 signatures.
Pip Ellis, Manager of the Star, said: “We stage shows from local musicians alongside touring acts. We also offer somewhere for students from the local Academy of Contemporary Music to showcase their talents. There are so many venues closing that it is becoming even more important that we are here to support and showcase the musical talent out there.”
Issue 7
|
Spring 2020
Kent rockabilly band Bamboozle perform at The Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable
WE’RE JAMMIN’ Some of our other pubs with a fantastic reputation for live music include:
The Betsey Trotwood Clerkenwell, London, EC1 This quirky and ever-so-slightly bohemian London pub is a cultural hotspot in one of the capital’s most fashionable areas, hosting a wide range of live music and comedy events in its atmospheric cellar bar. www.betsey.pub
The Britannia Guildford, Surrey A great place to drink and dine, this busy town centre pub is also a popular live venue that hosts a varied schedule of musical events throughout the week, including the legendary Ukejam – yes, it does involve dozens of ukulele enthusiasts performing together - on the first and last Sunday of each month. www.britanniaguildford.co.uk
and have regular DJ sets throughout the rest of the year.” At last month’s Broadstairs Blues Bash, the Neptune’s Hall hosted eight live bands, including Jonny’s own Tritones outfit. Jonny said: “We’re playing again in May. It is an amazing feeling to be able to come out from behind the bar and perform with the band, directly connecting with customers over a shared passion for music.” The importance of live music to pubs is well summarised by Lou Davies, Manager of The Market House in Maidstone. Located in the centre of Kent’s county town, it is a popular hotbed of live music, staging local bands on Friday and Saturday nights, and on alternate Sunday afternoons.
The Market Inn Faversham
Neptune’s Hall licensee Jonny Henfrey performs with his band
The Three Lions Farncombe
Lou said: “Ensuring that we host top quality live music events is just as important to us as ensuring the quality of our food and drink offer. It shouldn’t just be background noise, it is a unique experience which should be valued and celebrated. Music can bring people together in a way nothing else can.”
This 18th century pub, with its oak beams and wealth of character, is also a popular live music venue. Organised under the banner of Scratchers, in honour of the pub’s moniker, the events are a firm favourite on the local gig circuit. www.threelionsfarncombe.co.uk
AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY We are also proud supporters of a number of live music festivals in the South East, including Maidstone’s Ramblin’ Man, Broadstairs Folk Festival, Faversham Hop Festival, Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival and Tenterden Folk Festival.
A grand old pub, just two minutes from Faversham town centre, The Market Inn has long been a popular live venue for local musicians, attracting a loyal band of regulars in the process. The pub is especially renowned for hosting blues-based artists. www.marketinnfaversham.co.uk
The Wrotham Arms Broadstairs
Kent-based band Salvation Jayne at last year's Ramblin' Man Festival
One of Thanet’s premier live music venues, The Wrotham Arms hosts an eclectic array of acts every weekend, and some Tuesdays too. It is also home to the Wrotham Arms Blues and Roots Club, the monthly Wired electric jam and the famed Woodshed folk sessions. www.wrothamarms.co.uk
7
Oast Magazine
|
Shepherd Neame
MEET THE MAKERS:
KARIMIX Tucked away deep in the Kentish countryside, an independent food producer is unlocking the flavours of the world. Karimix, based in the pretty rural village of Selling near Faversham, has been incorporating the traditional aromas and flavours of South-East Asia in a delicious range of handmade and artisan pickles, relishes, chutneys, curry pastes and sauces for more than a decade. Entrepreneur Monica Chia is Karimix’s Managing Director. Although educated largely in England, Monica grew up in Singapore and the Karimix range is heavily influenced by the flavours of her native home. It was while at boarding school in England that she first discovered the joys of cooking for others. “There was never enough food at boarding school, the seniors always had first claim on any second helpings and it was barely edible anyway,” she remembers. “You knew what day of the week it was by the thickness of the custard.” In her later years at school, using ingredients contained in food parcels from home, Monica started to innovate. She said: “It was the start of my experimenting with fusion, wanting to share the flavours of the East but in a way that would entice my European classmates. My curiosity has increased since.” After finishing her studies, Monica began pursuing her passion for food as a profession, and became known as something of an innovator. In the 1980s she was one of the first to import a number of Asian snack foods into the UK. She later went on to work as a consultant at a major City firm specialising in the global food industry and, later still, headed up the project that marked the first commercial sushi production in this country, along the way working with retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, to name just a few.
8
“
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD INGREDIENTS IS CRUCIAL TO OUR SUCCESS
”
“I have always been inspired by the mixture of Far and South-East Asian cultures and fusion cuisine,” said Monica. “Although I was educated in the UK I have travelled extensively from a very young age. I was always fascinated with local ingredients, cooking techniques, flavours and culture.” Monica has been running Karimix since 2005, taking it in recent years from a small artisan business to a Grade A BRC (British Retail Consortium) accredited manufacturer of high quality, innovative products. The company has won numerous awards and accolades, and is now operating on a global scale, with orders from all over the world.
top ingredients they use and the excellent quality of their products. We worked closely with their team to create a delicious chutney which is the ideal accompaniment to our quality burgers.” The bespoke chutney is now available across our 70-strong pub and hotel estate. We are also using four other chutneys from their range, all of which use ingredients sourced locally. Monica added: “We are delighted to have teamed up with such a well-known business as Shepherd Neame. We really enjoyed working with Simon’s team, and it is really satisfying to know that customers across their estate are now enjoying our products.” She added: “Karimix has seen tremendous growth in recent years as there has been a growing demand for world flavours. Our aim is to combine the finest Kentish produce with global flavour trends, working directly with chefs to understand their needs. We have a fantastic team who are passionate about what they do, and it is so rewarding to see our business going from strength to strength.”
Monica said: “The importance of good ingredients is crucial to our success. We are lucky enough to be situated in the heart of the Garden of England, so we use local produce wherever possible. All Karimix products are also without artificial additives and GM free.” The abundance of local produce has been put to good use for one of Karimix’s most recent projects, working with Shepherd Neame to create a bespoke tomato chutney. All tomatoes used are sourced from Thanet Earth near Birchington. Head Development Chef Simon Howlett said: “Our decision to partner with Karimix was based on the
www.karimix.com
Issue 7
|
Spring 2020
PUB NEWS DISCOVER GREAT BRITISH PRODUCE
(l-r) Presenter Jessica Pow of HGEM; Shepherd Neame’s Tenanted Trade Operations Manager Greg Wallis and Director of Retail and Tenanted Operations Nigel Bunting; host Rob Beckett
Spring has officially sprung, and it is the perfect time to enjoy some of the fantastic seasonal produce on offer. Kent is renowned for its amazing wealth of food and drink, and among its most famous exports at this time of year is Romney Marsh lamb, lauded for its tender texture and taste. As part of our ongoing commitment to promote local produce, we are launching a seasonal menu showcasing Great British lamb. We will be using the best quality lamb from local farmers, prepared by our master butchers Joseph & Henry. And it isn’t just a traditional roast dinner on the menu - our chefs have got creative! Dishes will include Sticky BBQ Lamb Shank, Tandoori Lamb and Aubergine Curry, and Crispy Pulled Lamb Shoulder Salad. It is part of a year-long calendar of seasonal menus and promotions planned by our food team. Forthcoming events will focus on some of the other delicious produce that the Garden of England is renowned for, including asparagus, strawberries, cherries, crab and lobster, apples, and game. The Great British Lamb menu will be available in selected sites from March 27 to April 24. www.shepherdneame.co.uk/love-food
SIMPLY THE BEST Shepherd Neame was named Best Tenanted & Leased Pub Company (up to 500 sites) at the Publican Awards earlier this month. We were also a finalist in the Best Food Offer category at the awards, held annually to celebrate excellence across the pub and bar industry. More than 1,500 guests attended the award ceremony, which was held at Evolution London and hosted by top comedian Rob Beckett. We have 240 tenanted and leased pubs throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline. Judges praised us for continuous investment in our tenanted estate and supporting functions, which included £5 million capital expenditure in
SUPPORTING YOUNG TALENT
the past year. They were also impressed by our strong engagement with licensees, demonstrated by a recent survey which showed 82% would be likely to recommend Shepherd Neame to another publican. Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “This award is well-deserved recognition for the hard-working and innovative entrepreneurs that we are proud to work with across our tenanted estate, and our dedicated head office and support staff. We are committed to putting our tenants and licensees at the heart of everything we do, providing a comprehensive range of support to help them achieve their individual goals and business ambitions.” Two of our tenanted pubs also recently won their own individual accolade, making it into the latest Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub list. Michelin-starred pub The Sportsman in Seasalter is at number two, while The Compasses Inn in Crundale, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, is at number six.
Apprentice Jayden Holman, 18, who works at The Marine Hotel, Tankerton
A total of nine aspiring chefs have joined our new apprenticeship programme. Industry-wide, there is a major chef shortage, so we have launched this initiative to attempt to grow and support emerging talent. We already employed seven of the apprentices, who were nominated for the opportunity by their managers, and two were chosen from a shortlist of external applicants. A structured development programme is being provided by Umbrella Training, a specialist hospitality apprenticeship provider based in Chatham. Their studies will last at least 13 months, consisting of 70% practical on the job training, 20% mentoring and coaching, and 10% workshop training and online support. All Head Chefs at sites with apprentices have undergone a mentoring course with Umbrella Training to understand their responsibilities. Head Development Chef Simon Howlett said: “Chefs are consistently the most challenging role to recruit. We hope that this programme will help us develop new talent and create the chefs of the future. We have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to this new programme, and are now planning to open it to another group of apprentices in the summer.” www.shepherdneame.co.uk/careers
9
Oast Magazine
|
Shepherd Neame
PUB NEWS
LOCAL HERO
HISTORIC VILLAGE PUB UNVEILS NEW LOOK AND NEW GUEST ACCOMMODATION
NAME: Hayley-Belle Strand AGE: 32 LIVES: Maidstone OCCUPATION: Barista REGULAR AT: Market House, Maidstone What are you drinking? Spitfire Lager Why are you here? I work in the town so popped in for a drink after a shift. I’ve lived in Maidstone all my life so know the town well and am often out with friends. I’m a regular at the Market House - my partner and I often meet friends here on the roof top terrace or enjoy watching the local bands at the weekend. What do you like about the pub? It has a very stylish décor and the atmosphere’s always buzzing. The team are really friendly and welcoming and I always feel comfortable here. The food is delicious - we always particularly enjoy trying the seasonal menus - and the lager always tastes great. The Market House is also perfect for events. I recently used the first floor function room for a private party and was overwhelmed by the amount of care and attention put in by staff to ensure everything went perfectly. I’ve also used the main bar area for a staff meeting during the day – it’s a great relaxed environment to get together with people.
About the pub: The Market House is located in the heart of the County Town opposite the Hazlitt Theatre and next to Fremlin Walk shopping precinct. An historic pub dating back to the 1800s, it recently underwent a major refurbishment, introducing stylish new décor combining contemporary influences while also drawing upon the pub’s history. Food is served every day, with an emphasis on fresh, healthy choices. The pub is renowned for great live music, with performances every Friday and Saturday evening, and late afternoon every other Sunday. www.markethouse.pub
10
The Red Lion in Charing Heath has reopened following a major refurbishment project which included transforming a disused barn into four new guest rooms.
At the front of the pub, the entrance has been made more attractive by creating a new patio with new garden furniture. The pub exterior has been painted and a bespoke swing sign created.
The pub, located in the picturesque village of Charing Heath between Maidstone and Ashford, dates back to the 16th century. It has been redecorated throughout, with stylish new décor and lighting aimed at retaining the pub’s historic features and traditional feel, but with a contemporary twist.
The new guest rooms have been created in a disused barn on land at the side of the pub. They are all double en suite rooms, two on the ground floor and two on the first floor. One of the ground floor rooms has an accessible wet room. All boast stylish, contemporary décor, and offer a flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi
Issue 7
|
Spring 2020
HUGE TURNOUT FOR FIRST SHEPHERD NEAME PUB WALK
More than 150 people turned up at the Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie on a cold Sunday morning for the first Shepherd Neame Pub Walk.
www.redlioncharingheath.co.uk
access. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the pub during their stay. The refurbishment work has been overseen by Licensee Matt Hollis, who took over the pub last August. Father-of-four Matt, 43, said: “I grew up in Charing Heath so I know the Red Lion well. When the tenancy became available, I went for it. The Red Lion is the only pub in the village, and I know exactly what people need from their local – a warm welcome, fantastic food and well-kept beer.”
He has taken on new Head Chef Dominic Knight, who has introduced a delicious new food menu. His menu changes monthly, with additional weekly specials, and is strongly influenced by the seasonal produce available, sourced locally. Matt said: “We offer a selection of á la carte dishes along with smaller plates and snacks. Everything is cooked to order, and any special dietary requirements can be catered for. The week’s service culminates in a superb homemade roast every Sunday, which is already incredibly popular.”
£330,000 TRANSFORMATION FOR HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PUB Historic riverside pub The Lord Nelson in Dover has reopened following a four month, £330,000 transformation. Dating back to 1805, it boasts a unique location next to the River Dour with views up to Dover Castle, and is also in a prime position alongside the new St James' Retail and Leisure Park. Major structural work included removing the rear conservatory and installing two new sets of bifold doors opening on to the refurbished terrace overlooking the river. A new accessible toilet and baby changing area has been created on the ground floor, and part of the rear bar area has been transformed into a new kitchen. The toilets have also moved upstairs and the space converted into a new dining area.
www.lordnelsondover.co.uk
The site has been redecorated throughout, including exposing original features such as ceramic tile flooring, and tongue and groove wood wall paneling, and introducing contemporary light fixtures and quirky décor. The exterior has also been painted and a bespoke swing sign created. The project has been overseen by new licensee Chris Bichard. He said: “I was looking for a new business opportunity and started looking at Dover as it is a really up and coming town. When I saw that The Lord Nelson was available, it seemed ideal. I know Shepherd Neame well and could see that the site had lots of potential due to its location next to the river and also to the new retail park.” The Lord Nelson is open every day.
We organised the event to mark the launch of our new series of five guides, detailing walks between four and six miles which take in some of Kent’s most beautiful coast and countryside. They all start and finish at one of our pubs: The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie near Birchington; The Carpenters Arms in Eastling; White Horse Inn in Boughton-under-Blean; The White Lion in Selling; and New Flying Horse in Wye. Pub Marketing Manager Caroline Williams said: “We were delighted by the fantastic turnout and would like to thank all those who came along to support us. We are now working on plans to make these walks regular events.” The guides are available to pick up at each pub, or can be downloaded from our dedicated site www.shepherdneame.co.uk/walks
APPRENTICE SCOOPS TOP AWARD Laura Stroud, Assistant Manager at The Royal Hotel in Deal, has been named Hospitality and Retail Apprentice of the Year at the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards. Mum-of-two Laura, 34, from Walmer, joined The Royal four years ago as a member of the Front of House team and was promoted to Assistant Manager in November 2018. Last August we launched an apprenticeship programme for aspiring managers, and invited Laura to take part. Judges praised Laura as ‘a great role model who demonstrates that you can undertake an apprenticeship at any stage of life’. Laura said: “I wasn’t able to fully pursue my career ambitions when I was younger as I had my children who are now aged nine and 14. It is amazing to now have this opportunity to challenge myself and develop my skills.”
11
Oast Magazine
|
Shepherd Neame
BRANDS NEWS NEW PACKAGING, SAME GREAT TASTE Angry Orchard Rosé Cider and Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale are now available in a 500ml bottle. Both were previously only available in 330ml bottles. Angry Orchard Rosé Cider is made with rare French Amour Rouge red flesh apples, which are red right through to the core and provide a rosy blush to the cider, while a touch of hibiscus adds floral notes. Crisp, refreshing and full of flavour, it also has an ABV of just 4%, making it a great alternative to rosé wine or pink gin, as the lower alcohol content makes it a more sociable drink. Its new packaging will bring it into line with the original Angry Orchard Crisp Hard Cider (5% ABV), which is already available in 500ml bottles. Launched in 2018, the award-winning Bear Island range of craft beers salutes our great trading past with hops imported from the US combined with native British hops. The new 500ml bottle of Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale (4.8% ABV), is exclusive to Tesco stores nationwide. It is also now available in a new 440ml can, along with the other beer in the range, Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager (4.6% ABV). The cans are exclusively available from the Faversham Brewery’s Visitor Centre shop and online: www.shepherdneame.co.uk/beer
INTRODUCING THAILAND’S ORIGINAL BEER TO A NEW AUDIENCE We teamed up with Thai brewery Boon Rawd last summer, agreeing to be the sole UK distributor for its premium lager Singha.
12
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY CASK CLUB It has been a year since we launched our Cask Club range of experimental, innovative ales – and it is fair to say that it has been an undisputed success! We introduce a new cask ale each month, celebrating modern styles and flavours, with exciting international collaborations and classic seasonal favourites.
overwhelmed by the positive response to our new initiative. A total of 165 pubs across the South East have signed up to stock our Cask Club beers, and we have sold more than 500,000 pints during the past 12 months.” As part of the initiative, drinkers are able to pick up a Cask Club passport at participating pubs, collecting a sticker each time they try a new ale. Those who collect all nine stickers required on the passport are eligible for an exclusive Cask Club T-shirt. During the past year, 275 people have completed their passports and collected t-shirts.
It is not just the taste but also the look of Cask Club that takes a fresh approach, with dynamic design and bright colours not normally associated with cask ale, for ultimate stand-out on the bar.
Cask Club has also prompted lots of beery conversations online, with pubs and customers coming together on social channels using the hashtag #SNCASKCLUB.
Cask Club Brand Manager Rose Davis said: “Our aim with Cask Club was to encourage more people to enjoy what we believe is one of the best drinks in the world. We have been
Head brewer Mike Unsworth said: “Cask Club really seems to have tapped into the growing trend among drinkers to experiment and try new beers with different flavours and character.
A key goal for our partnership was to promote the profile of the beer throughout the UK, and our team are already reporting some fantastic results. New account wins include The Giggling Squid, the UK’s largest Thai restaurant brand with 32 sites in premium locations, which is now stocking Singha in 330ml bottles. The Co-Op chain of supermarkets has also agreed to list 630ml bottles of Singha, which will be available at stores nationwide from March 30. We have also just unveiled a unique experiential venture, The Singha Sanctuary, at the Yum Sa Restaurant in East Putney, South West London. This specially branded space, offering the winning combination of Singha beer and delicious snacks of buffalo wings, is proving a huge hit. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12noon through to 10pm and tables can be reserved.
Issue 7
|
Spring 2020
OUR FIRST YEAR OF CASK CLUB HOP COUNTY
BLONDE AMBITION
NEW DAWN
BELLA BIRRA “Our team are working with new ingredients and different collaborators from around the world to create innovative brews, and as Britain’s oldest brewer, we are also able to use our expertise to ensure that every Cask Club beer is of the highest quality. Whether someone is a loyal Shepherd Neame enthusiast, or new to our beers, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
HARD LABOR
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020?
500,000 pints of Cask Club beer sold
165 pubs have signed up to Cask Club
275 people have completed their Cask Club passports
RISING STAR One of last year’s Cask Club beers has proved so popular that it has been added to our permanent range. New Dawn (5% ABV) is a citrus IPA that first appeared as the Cask Club ale for May 2019. Brewed with Citra hops, it is a straw-coloured beer with a low bitterness and hints of orange and citrus. It has now been produced in a 500ml bottle, exclusively available from selected Tesco stores nationwide.
www.sncaskclub.co.uk
Why Can’t We Be Fronds? (4.6% ABV) is available throughout MARCH. It is a botanical beer, which given the ongoing love affair with all things gin is certainly tapping into a current trend. A mid amber ale with a malty backbone, it has been brewed with fresh juniper berries and Target, First Gold and East Kent Goldings hops which combine with a delicate ‘nose’ of elderflower on the finish. Cascade hops are added late on. APRIL sees the return of an old favourite, Blonde Ambition (4.2% ABV). This pale golden ale, with its citrus and grapefruit aroma, boasts a clean, refreshing and zesty flavour and offers suitably light drinkability at a time of year when things (hopefully) start to warm up. Based on a recipe from renowned US craft brewer Samuel Adams, Blonde Ambition has been produced many times by Shepherd Neame and proved enduringly popular.
OAST DODGER
LATE RED
SUMMER STORM
HOWLING WOLF
NORTHERN LIGHTS
The Cask Club release for MAY is May Bee (4.3% ABV), a honey ale with delicate malt notes and a well-balanced honey flavour, a little bitterness and peppery and fruit notes. The British have been drinking ales made from honey and a variety of grains for more than 2,000 years, but it’s highly unlikely they would have been as accomplished as this offering.
RUDOLPH’S REWARD
CROSSFIRE
13
Oast Magazine
|
Shepherd Neame
SHEPS NEWS
REMEMBERING A BREWING GIANT A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Robert Harry Beale Neame, CBE DL DCL, President and former Chairman of Shepherd Neame, was held at Canterbury Cathedral in February. Bobby passed away in his sleep in November last year, aged 85. He had many outside interests and achievements including being Leader of Kent County Council from 1982 to 1984, and Chair of the British section of the International Union of Local Authorities, High Sheriff of Kent in 2001, President of Kent Cricket in 2003 and Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers in 1999, as well as numerous company directorships. He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent in 1992, Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of Kent in 2008.
He leaves his widow, Yvonne, his four children Charlotte, Jonathan, Sarah and Moray and his nine grandchildren. More than 850 people attended the Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral. His son Jonathan, Chief Executive of Shepherd Neame, made an affectionate, humorous speech. Readings were also given by his daughter Moray, two of his grandsons and Kent's Vice LordLieutenant Richard Oldfield. Moray said: “Our Father’s life was commemorated with affection, admiration and humour. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to his memorial service. He touched a lot of lives and was loved and respected by many people.” A selection of Marmite and cucumber sandwiches, one of Bobby's favourites, was served as part of the buffet lunch provided for guests at a reception held following the service. Robert Harry Beale Neame, CBE, DL, DCL (1934-2019)
SMALL CHANGE MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE
Author Ned Palmer
We are proud to announce that we have teamed up with Pennies, the digital charity box, in a bid to boost funds for our Charity of the Year. In October last year, we announced the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) as our 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. We are now giving our customers a new way to donate to this worthy cause. Customers drinking and dining at selected sites are invited to make a 25 pence donation to charity when they spend over £30 and pay on a card via Chip & Pin. Every penny given goes to charity: 90% to RBLI and 10% to Pennies. Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “Our Sheps Giving committee has been working with RBLI on an exciting programme of fundraising activities at the brewery and across our pub estate, and we hope that this new partnership with Pennies will further increase the donations we generate.” www.shepherdneame.co.uk/sheps-giving
FESTIVAL SUCCESS: READ ALL ABOUT IT The third Faversham Literary Festival took place in February and Shepherd Neame was once again the principal sponsor. During the five-day wordfest, a number of events were staged at the brewery. These included the launch night, when 130 guests enjoyed a cheese and Shepherd Neame beer tasting hosted by cheesemonger Ned Palmer, author of Sunday Times bestseller A Cheesemonger’s History of The British Isles in our Old Brewery Store events venue. Ned said: “I hadn’t visited the brewery before and it is a wonderful place, steeped in history. I really enjoyed the evening. It was huge fun and impeccably executed by the Sheps team.”
14
We also hosted a sold-out Poetry Slam event, and over the festival weekend attracted more than 600 people to our historic Visitor Centre venue for a series of readings and talks by a number of different authors. Faversham Literary Festival Director Amanda Dackombe said: “This year’s festival was a resounding success, with packed venues, enthusiastic audiences and a wonderful line-up of authors and hosts. “It couldn’t have happened without the help of our main sponsor Shepherd Neame, who supported us throughout and allowed us to use their unique venues. The feedback has been amazing and everyone is already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Issue 7
|
Spring 2020
FIVE MINUTES WITH
OLLY SCOTT SHEPHERD NEAME’S HEAD OF EXPORT SALES
Name: Olly Scott Lives: Chilham, near Canterbury Favourite Shepherd Neame beer? 1698 Favourite non-Shepherd Neame tipple? Timothy Taylor’s Landlord
Career: I joined Shepherd Neame as a temp in 1995, working in telesales initially for just two weeks. The Sales Director at the time noticed on my CV that I had a degree in French and asked whether I would be interested in a marketing role that had become vacant. I was intending to go and live in France at that time, so accepted the role thinking I would just be with the company for a couple of years. Twenty five years later I’m still here. What attracted you to Shepherd Neame? I’m Kent born and bred, a Canterbury boy who has always lived near the Faversham Brewery and was brought up on Shepherd Neame beer. It’s in the blood, as they say. Once you start with the company you either leave within three or four years or you become what I call a ‘lifer’. I have had a variety of jobs within the company and it’s certainly never been boring. The company is always evolving and there’s always something going on. They’ve been very good to me. What does your job involve? I’ve been Head of Export Sales since 2009 and we are a very lean team.
We export to about 40 different countries and I look after the current importers in those markets and work with the sales teams. I also look out for market opportunities and bring new ideas to the business. Just as in the UK, collaboration with other brewers is very much in vogue for the export market, so I act as the gobetween on collaborative brewing projects with Shepherd Neame. Some of our exporters have breweries, so there is an obvious link there and working strategically with them is perfect for us. What qualifications are needed for your role? To undertake the export role you need a breadth and depth of expertise in the on and off trade, so experience is key, and passion for the industry too. A knowledge of global markets, and of beer itself, are both important, and that knowledge develops, the more you do the job. I am also acutely aware that I am an ambassador for Shepherd Neame in the marketplace so getting the right balance of personality and integrity is key. Having spent 15 years with the
Olly completed the Isle of Wight Challenge in 2019
company before taking on the Export role, it has proved to be the perfect job for me and one I have truly grown into. What do you enjoy about your job? I love travel and I love engaging with people and experiencing new cultures. To be able to travel and talk to people about beer – well, it’s a dream job.
“
TO BE ABLE TO TRAVEL AND TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT BEER – IT’S A DREAM JOB
”
What can be tough about your job? I am away from home quite a lot of the time. With 40 markets and over 80 customers to service it can be very hard work, and when I go to market it’s full on, I’m not there
to play I’m there to work. It’s not the jet-set lifestyle some people probably think it is. But the positives outweigh the negatives, for sure, and I am pleased to say I still really get a buzz out of it. Do you have a favourite country that you like visiting? I have a few actually: France, because I lived there and speak the language; and Italy is a great market too with fascinating history – and noone can argue with the food! Russia is our biggest export market, and I’ve been visiting since 1997. That market is very interesting, especially in places like St Petersburg and Moscow. The Russians have got very big hearts and they have really taken to British beer. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have travelled all over the world, including to Australia, New Zealand, Canada , Mexico and South Korea, to name just a few. What are your hobbies and interests outside work? I’ve always been an outdoors junkie and I do a lot of trail running, and a lot of climbing, hiking and skiing. I love the mountains. I helped launch Shepherd Neame’s Team Extreme, which sees a group of staff including Chief Executive Jonathan Neame tackle tough endurance challenges for charity. Last year we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Team Extreme by taking on the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge, which raised more than £12,000 for our Charity of the Year. Team Extreme has provided an opportunity for a lot of people in the company to really push themselves, and it’s been great to see the initiative grow, particularly over the last couple of years.
15