Master Brewer - Autumn 2015

Master

Autumn 2015www.shepherdneame.co.uk

BREWER

It has been another busy six months forShepherd Neame, with much to celebrate in this issue.

A major milestone was the reopening of the Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wellsfollowing an extensive redesign. Our largestsingle refurbishment project to date, it is asignificant investment not just in the hotel,but the local area. We have created morethan 20 new hospitality and catering roles,and are confident that the new look hotelwill prove a popular destination for leisureand business guests.

We continue to invest in improvements acrossthe pub estate, supporting our licenseeswith numerous refurbishment projects. Mostrecently, the Grove Ferry near Canterbury andthe Abbey Hotel in Battle benefitted frommajor makeovers. We are also always on the lookout for opportunities to add highquality outlets to our retail estate. We havejust bought two new sites in Kent boastingunique waterside locations; riverside pubThe Anchor at Yalding near Maidstone, and The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie, which offers breathtaking sea views.

In addition to investing in the fabric of the estate, we feel it is important tocontinue reinventing the experience on offer by tapping into current trends. This edition of Master Brewer outlines some innovative new menus which areproving successful at our pubs.

Significant investment is also being made in our brands portfolio. We have launchedSpitfire Gold, a golden ale that will be apermanent addition to the Spitfire brand.We hope it will be a hit, as the popularity of golden ale continues to soar. We havealso introduced Angry Orchard, America’sbest-selling brand of hard cider, in the UK for the first time.

Jonathan NeameChief Executive@jbneame

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

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TWO NEW PUBS BOAST GREATWATERSIDE LOCATIONS

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Two Kent pubs in unique watersidelocations have been added to our estate;the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie and The Anchor at Yalding.

Boasting panoramic views across MinnisBay, one of the finest beaches in NorthKent, the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie isopen every day and evening.

Customers can relax in the comfortablesurroundings of the family-friendlyrestaurant, or when the weather is fine,dine alfresco on the terrace and largegarden area overlooking the sea.

The Anchor at Yalding is a 14th centurythatch roofed pub situated on the RiverMedway, a few minutes from the village of Yalding near Maidstone.

Open every day and evening, the pub is popular with those using kayaks and small boats on the river, as there are moorings just upstream of the site, which is surroundedby water on two sides at Hampstead Lock.

Both pubs offer a varied menu of lightbites and traditional pub classics, with all dishes cooked on site using locallysourced produce wherever possible.

Dine alfresco at the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie

The Anchor at Yalding

Minnis Bay

The Three Lions, Farncombe was crownedPub of the Year in the annual ShepherdNeame Pub Awards.

It was among 13 of the brewery’s pubs andhotels across London and the South Easthonoured in a glittering ceremony at theConningbrook Hotel in Ashford.

Awards were given for various aspects ofrunning a successful pub, such as pouringthe perfect pint, serving consistently greatfood and being at the heart of the localcommunity.

The Three Lions’ accolade pays tribute to the dedication of first-time licensees Sarah andGraham Firth after the pub was gutted by a blaze in February 2014, just four weeks into theirtenure and following a significant refurbishment.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “These awards are a well-deserved celebration of thehard work, dedication, and creativity put in by our licensees and managers, who ensureShepherd Neame pubs and hotels offer customers a distinctive experience.”

Winners of the 2015 Shepherd Neame Pub Awards

PUB AWARD WINNERS REVEALED 2015 WINNERS Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year –Sarah and Graham Firth: The Three Lions, Farncombe

Lifetime Achievement –Les Koncsik: Crown & Anchor, Faversham

Managed Business of the Year –Ian and Alison Farlane: Botany Bay Hotel, Kingsgate

Tenanted Pub of the Year –Alessandro and Barbara Tinti: Imperial, Southborough

Manager of the Year –Brendan McBride: Sun Inn, Faversham

New Licensee of the Year –Peter and Gill Allen: Mermaid Inn, Bishopsbourne

Restaurant of the Year –Angelena and Greg Churcher: The Plough, Upper Dicker

Pub Food of the Year –Elsie Innes and Jordan Apps: The Peacock, Goudhurst

Turnaround / Transformation Pub ofthe Year – Simon and Tanya Causton: Caxton Arms, Brighton

Beer Hero –Glenn Hollingworth: Gate Inn, Marshside

Wine Pub of the Year –Tom and Karensa Miller: Zetland Arms, Kingsdown

Heart of the Community Pub of the Year – Dawn and Tony James: The Telegraph, Deal

Best Floral Display –Carol and Kevin James: The Plough, Lewson Street

Overall winners Graham and Sarah Firth of The ThreeLions, Farncombe with chief executive Jonathan Neame

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The Sportsman in Seasalter near Whitstable was namedGastropub of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards

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Pubs across Shepherd Neame’s estate arecapitalising on the consumer appetite for gourmet burgers and smokehouse food.

There is a new menu at the Poyntz Arms in East Molesey, following a £100,000 refurbishment.

Licensees Michael O’Reilly and son Corey took over the Surrey pub in April this year. They have introduced food at the pub for the first time, offering a delicious barbecue and grill menu. Michael is currently looking after the cooking, while Corey is looking after the front-of-house activities.

Dan Sidders and Gareth Finney

Diners at the Poyntz Arms

PUB NEWS

COOKING UP A STORM WITHTASTY ON-TREND MENUS

Michael said: “We are really enjoying it. Our food offer has proved a hit with customers who want to enjoy the latest food trends in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Meanwhile, licensee Gareth Finney, who runs five Shepherd Neame pubs with business partner Dan Sidders, triumphed at this year’s British Barbecue Battle with his Mexican-influenced entry. He won the Pubs and Bars category in the competition and was also named overall champion.

Gareth, 36, who has worked as a chef for almost 20 years, said: “I decided to go for a Mexican theme, as I wanted to show people that it has the potential to be á la carte, not just ‘Tex Mex’ as it is often described. I also hoped that by demonstrating this high standard of food can be created under pressured conditions, it would encourage people to try out what is on offer in our pubs.”

The brewery’s beers are also being served at some of the country’s top gourmet burger and grill restaurants. The Whitstable Bay Collection, Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Asahi are available at Bone Daddies, Burger & Lobster, Bodean’s BBQ, Tom’s Kitchens and the UK’s first Smith & Wollensky.

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RIVERSIDE PUB FULFILSITS POTENTIAL

A £130,000 refurbishment project has been completed at The Duke of Edinburgh in Barming, near Maidstone.

Work at the traditional community pub, which dates back to 1868,included painting the pub inside and outside, and laying newflooring throughout.

The toilets were completely refurbished and a cosy new snug areahas been created for an intimate drink.

New seating has also been installed on the pub’s rear terrace.

The new look bar at the Grove Ferry

MAJOR MAKEOVER FOR POPULAR LOCAL REFU

Charming riverside pub the GroveFerry near Canterbury has reopenedfollowing a major refurbishmentproject.

It boasts an unique location, situated in the picturesque Stodmarsh NationalNature Reserve on the banks of the Great Stour river.

The pub has been completelyrepainted inside and outside, andstylishly decorated with rusticfurniture and accessories.

There has been some majorremodelling work, with new additions including a taproom, open kitchen and garden bar.

Its six bedrooms have also beenrefurbished, along with the large riverside Boathouse function room, a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

ENJOY A STYLISH STAY AT THE ABBEY HOTELSituated opposite the impressive gateway to BattleAbbey in East Sussex, the Abbey Hotel is perfectlylocated for visitors to the historic area.

And guests can be assured that its accommodationoffers the very latest in modern comforts, following the recent completion of a £100,000 makeover.

All eight bedrooms in the historic Grade II listed building have been given a sophisticated new look, with stylish new furniture, fixtures and fittings.

The pub’s exterior has also been repainted, withtraditional signwriting added, and new lighting.

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The Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells has reopened following anextensive refurbishment project.

It is the single largest programme of work to date for Britain’s oldest brewer, and took a total of four months to complete. Work included replacing therestaurant with The Brasserie, a spacious orangery.

The hotel’s reception area has been refurbished and the layout changed so guests can move freely into the main bar, which has also enjoyed a revamp, with character features added including a cosy new Library area.

Building on its popularity as a functions venue, the hotel’sEphraim Suite on the ground floor has been expanded.Consideration has been made for guests with disabilities,with a platform lift installed to allow wheelchair access,and the toilets updated. The Alexandra function room on the first floor has also been given a fresh new look.

Four additional en-suite bedrooms have been added to the hotel,taking the total to 27, and every room has been refurbished in

a contemporary, elegant style with bold splashes of colour.

EXTENSIVE REDESIGN FORTUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL

Enjoy fine dining in the Wells Brasserie

The new look reception area

RBISHMENTS

This year’s Wheelie Bin Race at the Three Horseshoes pub in Hernhill raised over

£3,000 for charity

A permanent memorial topioneering black boxer BillRichmond has been unveiledby Earl George Percy at theTom Cribb pub in London

A feature bedroom

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One of the UK’s most popular beer brands, Spitfire PremiumKentish Ale, has made an exciting new addition to its range –Spitfire Gold.

Spitfire Gold (4.1% abv) is a well-balanced, light golden ale. Its sweet malt base is built upon with delicate floral and pinearomas imparted by some of the more popular hops of themoment, including Centennial and Saaz.

Spitfire brand manager William Upfield said: “We feel thatSpitfire Gold is a fitting way to honour those heroes whofought bravely in the Battle of Britain and celebrate the Spitfire plane itself, a Great British icon.”

Spitfire Gold is now available in cask nationwide.

AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING CIDER COMES TO THE UK

GOLDEN ERA FOR SPITFIRE ALE

Angry Orchard was first introduced in the US in 2011,and its Crisp Apple style (5% abv) soon became thecountry’s number one hard cider.

A combination of French bittersweet and Italianculinary apples are used in the drink, which is wood-aged during the fermentation process to add subtlespice and vanilla notes.

Crisp and refreshing, with low carbonation, AngryOrchard is amber in colour, and features a fresh applearoma and a slightly sweet, ripe apple flavour.

Angry Orchard is available on draught in good pubs,restaurants and bars, and will be available in 330mland 500ml bottles from October.

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Spitfire Kentish Premium Ale is undertaking a mammoth year-longfundraising campaign for the RAF Benevolent Fund during 2015 tocommemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Limited edition bottles of Spitfire Ale, featuring the heart roundel of the RAF Benevolent Fund on their crown instead of the traditional RAF roundel, are currently available nationwide. Their back labels encourage drinkers to donate £3 to the RAF Benevolent Fund by texting the word SPITFIRE to 70660.

Spitfire has also produced limited edition RAF Benevolent Fund Spitfire t-shirts priced £10, available online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.There are also 75th anniversary wristbands, priced £2, available fromselected Shepherd Neame pubs in London and the South East.

Brand manager Will Upfield said: “Spitfire Ale is a proud partner of the RAFand RAF Benevolent Fund, and we hope that as many people as possible willsupport us in our year of fundraising to mark this significant anniversary.”

SPITFIRE SOARS INTO ACTIONFOR SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY

The RAF Spitfire Rugby Sevens

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CELEBRATING BEER DAY BRITAIN

Don’t miss the chance to taste this year’s batch of Shepherd Neame’s Green Hop Ale (4.2% abv).

It is brewed every year for the Kent Green Hop Beer Fortnight at the end of September, which involves more than 20 brewers in Kent including theRamsgate Brewery, Westerham Brewery and Canterbury Brewers.

Instead of the usual dried hops, the beer uses fresh, or green Kentish hopswithin 12 hours of being picked. It showcases the full array of flavours andaromas usually lost in the drying process.

Green Hop Ale is among the limited edition, innovative beers on offer fromNo.18 Yard Brewhouse, and will be available on draught in Shepherd Neamepubs and freehouses around Kent until mid-October.

CELEBRATE THE KENT HOP HARVEST

Beer lovers across the country raised a glass in a celebration of the nation’s favourite tipple on the first Beer Day Britain – including staff at Shepherd Neame.

The national ‘cheers to beer’ took place at12.15pm on June 15, chosen as it was the date in1215 that the Magna Carta was sealed, the historicdocument which established the rule of law anddefined the traditional pint of ale: “There shall bebut one Measure throughout the Realm”.

Licensees and managers at Shepherd Neame pubs also rang their last orders bells at 12.15pmand encouraged customers to raise a glass to Beer Day Britain.

A commemorative beer was created for theoccasion, 1215 (8% abv), a traditional strongEnglish ale infused with medieval ale ingredientssuch as Mugwort, Yarrow, Woodruff and Fennel.

The bottle-conditioned beer is presented in atraditional amber 750ml bottle. Only 1,215 have beenreleased, each encased within a presentation boxbearing the signature of brewery president RobertNeame. It is exclusively available from the breweryshop and online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.

Staff at Shepherd Neame celebrate Beer Day Britain

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More and more couples are choosing to celebrate the most specialday of their lives at a Shepherd Neame hotel.

During the past 12 months, well over 100 wedding celebrations havetaken place at our brewery and seven premium hotels across Kent:The Botany Bay and The Royal Albion in Broadstairs, The George in Cranbrook, The Marine in Whitstable, The Bell in Sandwich, TheRoyal Wells in Tunbridge Wells or The Royal in Deal. Countless otherwedding receptions have also taken place within our pubs and inns.

All are licensed wedding venues, able to offer a complete packagefor the big day, with a choice of function suites and menus to suitevery budget, along with a wide selection of stylish en-suite

bedrooms, from single to family accommodation. Every hotel has a team of dedicated wedding and events managers to ensure thatthe process is made as easy as possible, so the big day is planned to perfection.

Retail operations manager Graeme Endacott said: “We aredelighted that so many couples are choosing our hotels for theirwedding celebrations.

“Whether a couple is planning an intimate ceremony with closefamily and friends, or a lavish celebration, we are confident that we can provide the perfect venue and dedicated personal service to ensure the tailor-made wedding day of their dreams.”

CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAYWITH SHEPHERD NEAME

Celebrate your special day at the Botany Bay Hotel Credit: Debbie Sanderson Wedding Photography

A new monthly comedy night at The OldBrewery Store in Faversham has proved a huge hit with audiences.

It is taking place at Shepherd Neame’sevents venue on the first Thursday ofevery month, and offers a platform for up-and-coming comedians to showcasetheir talents.

Tickets are priced £5. Visitwww.oldbrewerystore.co.uk/events/comedy-club or phone 01795 542285.

FAVERSHAMGETS ITS OWNCOMEDY STORE

AT THE BREWERY

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Ride of the Lions (Supermodel Jodie Kiddwith chief executive Jonathan Neame)

Comedian Steve Hili is among those to haveperformed at The Old Brewery Store

Thousands of music lovers flocked toBroadstairs in Kent to celebrate fivedecades of the town’s Folk Week,sponsored by Shepherd Neame.

More than 500 events, includingconcerts, workshops, dances, parades,a craft fair and children's festival, took place in venues throughout thetown during August. They includedShepherd Neame’s own Royal Albion

Hotel (pictured), Wrotham Arms andNeptunes Hall.

Festival director Jo Tuffs said: “We areproud to be associated with Britain’soldest brewer – and there is definitelya natural partnership between greatreal ale and folk music. Folk Week wouldnot have reached its landmark 50th yearwithout Shepherd Neame’s support.”

LIONS ENJOY A ROARING RECEPTION

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF FOLK

A dozen former British and Irish Rugby Lions – and supermodel Jodie Kidd – were among a group of 100 cyclists to enjoy lunch at Shepherd Neame.

They stopped off at the brewery while completing the Ride Of The Lions Waterloo200, a 200 mile charity cycle ride to mark the 200th anniversary of the historic battle.

The ride was aimed at re-enacting the momentous journey taken by Major HenryPercy in 1815 as he raced on horseback to London with the dispatch to declare the battle a victory.

Shepherd Neame’s export manager Olly Scott and head of property servicesMartin Godden were among the cyclists. Chief executive Jonathan Neame alsojoined the group for the leg from Dover to Faversham.

Live music at the Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs