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By Matt Furnell, 12/12/2011 2:50 pm

Dave Root must be the longest serving drinker of Greene King IPA with an estimated 100,000 pints to his name, so on his 93^rd birthday he has been recognised by his local landlord Wayne Evans and brewer Greene King for his fantastic loyalty.

Drinking Greene King IPA in the Royal Oak in Halstead since the tender age of 18 he was presented with an engraved tankard from Greene King so he can enjoy his favourite tipple for a long time to come.

Landlord of the Greene King pub, the Royal Oak, Wayne Evans said, “Dave really is part of the furniture.  He arrives every day and enjoys his favourite brew and we thought his loyalty to the drink and the pub needed to be recognised and to do just that on his birthday.  It’s great to have him as a customer and certainly keeps my cask ales sales up”.

Business development manager for Greene King, Geoff Liyanage said, “Greene King wanted to say a big thanks to Dave for drinking and enjoying our beer and pubs for so many years.  He knows a decent pint when he sees one and a good pub and this was just a way of sending our gratitude”.

Dave who not only received an engraved tankard was also given a few bottles of Greene King IPA to enjoy at home and a pint or two to have in the pub. He said of the presentation, “This is just wonderful, I’m overwhelmed. I never thought you could receive recognition for just enjoying a pint!”.

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By Matt Furnell, 27/10/2010 8:32 am

With tongue firmly in cheek, Greene King IPA is today (22nd October) unveiling a new national marketing campaign, Man Deserves a Proper Pint that celebrates men’s everyday “heroic” deeds.

The £1m campaign recognises how men often feel they deserve to treat themselves for all the “arduous” jobs they do at home. Trapping scary spiders, blowing up the kids’ paddling pool or clearing up dog mess – these tasks are undoubtedly deserving of the richest of rewards: a proper pint of ale, a Greene King IPA.

The ads reinforce Greene King IPA’s credentials as a “proper” pint with real, natural ingredients. The tagline for the adverts, ‘Real beer brewed in Bury St Edmunds since 1799’ reflects the ale’s local ingredients, traditional brewing methods and proud Suffolk heritage.

Dom South, marketing director for Greene King Brewing Company said “The new campaign focuses on modern man and the high regard in which he views his efforts around the house. It’s an amusing take on how even the smallest of mundane tasks can take on Olympic proportions.

“The eye-catching imagery is intended to provoke a self-knowing chuckle among men, but should also cause wry amusement among women, who will no doubt recognise the tendency among men to ‘big up’ the contribution to household chores. It will be great to see the campaign create a bit of banter around who deserves a proper pint and what heroics they have carried out to deserve it!”

The ads will feature in national newspapers and men’s lifestyle magazines. They are due to run for five months and will be seen by 14 million people. An additional campaign will support the England Rugby team sponsorship during autumn internationals at the home of rugby, Twickenham.

Cask ale continues to be the rising star in the drinks market, consistently outperforming the total beer market and Greene King has been supporting this growth with massive investment in the ale category and in its highly popular, award-winning brands. The brewer has Red Tractor accreditation for all its beers, which are brewed using English hops, the finest local barley malted just two miles from the brewery and water from the ancient chalk wells of Bury St Edmunds.

“The Man Deserves a Proper Pint campaign will act as a rallying call for drinkers to head to the pub to enjoy the ultimate proper pint – Greene King IPA of course,” concludes Dom.

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By Matt Furnell, 18/10/2010 10:44 am

Forget coffee, cup cakes and wifi, a “proper pub” is still all about the food, beer and friendly landlords, according to a survey undertaken by the country’s biggest pub company and brewer.

As some pubs increasingly diversify to attract new trade, the findings will provide succour to landlords whose time-honoured view of the British pub is of an authentic watering hole that prides itself on service and high-quality tipples and meals.

Greene King commissioned the YouGov poll to find out what were the essential ingredients for the “proper pub” of the 21st century.

And, while two thirds (66%) of people said a good choice of food and drinks was top of the pub-goers wish list, just one per cent said wifi was important to them. Of food and drinks most expected to be found in a “proper pub” cakes and Danish pastries attracted less than 1% of votes, and coffee and a range of tea gained just seven per cent of the votes.

A friendly landlord was thought essential by 57 per cent of people, and the idea of the pub as centre of the community is still important, put in the top three must-have ingredients by almost a third of those surveyed (30%).

Rooney Anand, chief executive of Greene King, which runs around 2,400 pubs in the UK, said the results showed that while publicans had to look to new ways of increasing revenue in difficult economic times, the fundamentals of the “proper pub” still hold true.

“We know from our own experience that people are drinking more tea and coffee, and eating more food, in pubs these days, and these are very important for the future of the pub trade,” he added.

“But it’s significant that top of most people’s list is the authentic atmosphere and feel of a British pub that comes from the landlord, the sense of community and the quality of the food and drink on offer.

“The British pub meets timeless human needs that are simply not fulfilled by other meeting places or groups, like social media networks. That’s why it survives and will continue to do so despite all the other opportunities we have for “joining” and for networking.

“It remains an essential community integrator, where people of different ages and backgrounds mix in a relaxed atmosphere.”

A beer garden (27 per cent) and log fire (22 per cent) fared much better in the survey than access for dogs (six per cent) and comfy sofas (15 per cent), while pub games were more popular among 18 to 24 year olds (31 per cent), and 29 per cent of all questioned thought “proper pubs” should be family friendly.

Mr Anand said that the company wasn’t looking for a one-size-fits-all approach to pubs, and the survey shows that there is a need for different pubs for different types of pub-goer.

“It’s quite clear that some people like somewhere they can take their family for Sunday lunch, while to others a “proper pub” is all about somewhere to socialise in the evening with their mates. Other still want the relaxing surroundings of a log fire, comfy sofas and a glass of wine,” he added.

“This research and the campaign which follows will enable us to drill down to see what’s really important to people in different age groups and different areas.”

A website – www.properpubs.co.uk – has been launched to give people the chance to cast their vote on what they think should be in a “proper pub, with the chance to win a personalised pub sign and 100 free meals on offer to those taking part.

Other key findings included:

• More people in the North East than anywhere else like to relax on a comfy pub sofa (25%)

• Those in the North West have a passion for authentic pub games like pool and darts (32%)

• People in the East Midlands are the most likely to want a friendly landlord (63%)

• Pub-goers in the South East believe a “proper pub” should be at the heart of its community (35%)

• Those in the South West want to sit by a log fire (30%), often with man’s best friend at their side (10%)

• While the Welsh believe a “proper pub” should reflect family friendly values (39%)

In the survey, 2,118 people were asked to select the top three characteristics that make up a “proper pub”, from the following list:

• Log fire
• Friendly landlord
• Centre of the community
• Family friendly
• Somewhere I can take my dog
• Comfy sofas
• Wifi for laptops
• Beer garden
• Good choice of food and drinks
• Pub games

They were also asked what type of food and drink they would expect to find in a “proper pub”.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2118 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th – 6th October 2010.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

For more information please contact Matt Ware or Donna Chessum at Tribe on 01603 417722 or email matt@tribepr.com or donna@tribepr.com

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By Matt Furnell, 19/05/2010 10:17 am

The John Barleycorn pub in Cambridge has been accredited as
members of Cask Marque, passing the test with flying colours

The John Barleycorn pub in Duxford, Cambridge has scooped yet another recognition for the quality of its beer.  The pub gained Cask Marque, an independent accreditation for serving the perfect pint of cask ale with a phenomenal 100% score. 

During a mystery visit to the John Barleycorn, the undercover judges tried a selection of beers and ales ranging from Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Old Speckled Hen to the more unusual tipple of Barleycorn Best Bitter.  The pub has since received a plaque, framed certificate and merchandising material to inform its customers of the award.  The news comes as cask ale sales in pubs recently increased 5.7 per cent, according to new figures .

Licensee Bernard Lee is thrilled that the pub’s hard work and attention to detail has been recognised.  He said, “We are chuffed to bits to have been recognised as a member of Cask Marque.  It is a really great achievement and is a credit to the hard work of our team.  Cask ale plays a huge part in our success and I’m ecstatic for everyone at the pub.  We concentrate on keeping our cask ales in tip-top condition, and pride ourselves on giving the locals great service in a place where they can soak up the friendly atmosphere.”

Greene King regional manager, Phil Arnold said, “This is a fantastic result for the pub and Bernard. Cask ale is the best drink there is when served in good condition, and the John Barleycorn knows a thing or two about making this happen.  Lots of pubs are taking advantage of the renewed interest in real ale and more of our licensees like Bernard are doing their bit to make sure everyone can enjoy a good pint of cask ale and first rate service.”

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For further information on the event, please contact Hew Leith hewl@consolidatedpr.com or Lottie Dutton lottied@consolidatedpr.com on 020 7781 2300

Notes to Editors:

About Greene King

Greene King Pub Partners has over 1,300 tenanted and leased pubs in the UK and is part of Greene King, the brewing and beer business responsible for Greene King IPA, the country’s best selling cask beer, and Belhaven, the Scottish brewing, beer and pub operator.

About the Cask Marque scheme
The scheme is operated by an independent body called Cask Marque Trust which is a limited company, limited by guarantee, and a non profit making organisation.

Pubs that join the scheme will be visited unannounced by an independent assessor twice a year.   The assessor will check all cask ales on sale for temperature, appearance, aroma and taste.

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By Matt Furnell, 15/03/2010 5:58 pm

The Dukes Head, Sunninghill, has welcomed with open arms, it’s new licensees, Hungarian couple, Andras Rajk and Krisztina Jando.  With the help of their families they have embraced their new project and lovingly prepared the Dukes Head for 2010, creating a homely atmosphere which prides itself on offering freshly prepared dishes of both English and Hungarian origin – a real gem for fans of Goulash!

Andras and Krisztina said, “We’ve been here since September and have been working hard to transform this pub into a real hub for the community.  We’re really proud how it’s turned out and we’re looking forward to welcoming more of the villagers back”.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Robin Tidd said, “Andras and Krisztina are doing a great job of bringing this village pub back to life creating a real gem for the local area, their positive attitude and determination looks set to be a recipe for success and we’re working closely with them to help encourage more of the villagers back”.

Ends

Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Castle, Finchley, has a new King on its throne and he’s certainly cooking up a storm!  This year, saw new licensee, Denis Cook and his partner Deborah O’Reilly take up the reins of the Greene King pub in the heart of historic Childs Hill and already The Castle breathes his friendly and funky attitude.

Inspiration to his legendary nephew, DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, Denis has worked his magic in turning the venue in to a super sleek music lounge that wouldn’t be out of place in Cuba.  To complement The Castle’s new vibe, Argentine Tango is being taught and tapas are being served at the newly refurbished music venue.

Cosmopolitan locals and affluent students frequent The Castle and entertainment ranges from karaoke and open mic to the Castle Court Jesters comedy nights. Aiming to showcase a tribute band each month, customers are in for some delights.  Tickets are already selling for tribute acts; Rod and the Facez, Van the Band and the must see, Overtures (the 60’s tribute band to the stars, having played at Elton John’s wedding and supported him at his O2 arena concerts in 2009).

Denis’ wealth of music knowledge and industry contacts has already put the Greene King pub on the map as being one of the most important music venues for Northwest London.  So much so, that Albert Lee, (rated by Eric Clapton as one of the world’s greatest guitarists), and Hogan’s Heroes are kicking off their European tour at The Castle on 4^th March!

As well as fast becoming the music hub of the area, The Castle looks set to be an ideal summer hotspot too. Coming soon is a stylish, heated terrace adorned with olives trees and fairy lights is the perfect setting to enjoy The Castle’s espresso coffee, cocktails or a real ale.

Denis said, ‘We’ve been working hard since December to transform this pub in to an enticing music venue for customers and artists and we feel like we are really achieving the dream. We want to cater for all our customers, including our jiving pensioners who love the music line up, and we are thrilled to introduce an OAP menu’.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, operations manager David Carless said, ‘Denis is a jewel in the Castle crown and is his energy and drive is infectious. He is creating an incredible buzz surrounding his music events at The Castle and I am sure his customers will all agree with me when I say ‘Long may he reign!’’

Ends

Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Woolpack, Chelmsford, is on a winning streak! Following on from their 2009 success of being named the Morning Advertiser’s ‘Cask Ale Pub of the Year’, Greene King Licensees, Dave and Maggie Gentry have received the accolade of ‘Pub of the Year’, voted for by CAMRA members of Chelmsford and Mid-Essex.  The Woolpack was packed to the rafters on the evening of Thursday 11^th March, when the presentation was made to the popular licensees.

Dave and Maggie said, “We are thrilled to receive such a prestigious award and it means so much that our loyal regulars and CAMRA members took the time to vote for us. We always try to offer a great range of quality beers for our customers and they really seem to appreciate it”.

The celebrations continue into Spring as The Woolpack are holding their Easter Beer Festival from 1^st-4^th April – an event that is sure to bring together real beer lovers.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Steve Head said, “Dave and Maggie truly deserve the recognition that this award brings. They are committed to pouring the best pint for their customers and the Woolpack is a superb local for is regulars and new customers”.

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By Matt Furnell, 12/01/2010 2:04 pm

Cask ale lovers can try their hand at brewing their very own beer with a new free App from Greene King’s Head Brewer’s Club and Pub Partners.  Choose a mix of hops, barley, water and yeast, shake it all about and create the perfect pint all on the iPhone or ipod Touch.

Ibrew Application developed for the Head Brewers Club

It also allows fans find a perfect pint too by helping them discover cask ale pubs certified as having excellent cask ale by Greene King’s quality team and Head Brewer, John Bexon.  All 336 Head Brewer’s Pub Partners pubs are featured and can be found with the iPhone map by name or county or connected with telephone link.

Speaking about the iBrew App, Commercial Manager for Greene King Pub Partners, Anthony McEvoy said, “This is a unique App allowing a bit of fun with its very own brewing game and providing pub lovers easy access to great cask ale pubs all over the country.  The pubs get better publicity than they would from just a standard website and customers can use the iPhone map system to direct themselves straight to the pub of their choice”.

Greene King’s Head Brewer’s Club is an initiative to promote brilliant cask ale pubs and the unique qualities they offer to customers up and down the country.  All pubs have been rigorously assessed for their consistent delivery of real ale.

Download the app here http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ibrew/id347288864?mt=8

Pictured:  Images of the iBrew App screens

Ends

Press Contact: Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell, 29/10/2009 11:48 am

Capitalising on the resurgence of cask beer, one of the country’s most loved beers, Abbot Ale, will be featured on the nation’s TV screens from the end of this week.

Abbot Ale will be sponsoring Friday nights on Dave (9pm – 11.40pm) and Dave Ja Vu (10pm – 12.40pm) as part of a brand campaign that reminds drinkers just how great Abbot is – at the same time as prompting enticing thoughts of excellent tale-telling and great laughs down at the pub.

The campaign, ‘Classic Tales from a Classic Ale’ features the mighty Brian Blessed in the famous Hawley Arms, Camden with a pint of Abbot, telling time-honoured jokes in his unique, larger-than-life way. A contagious and massive eruption of laughter completes each scene, sealing the association between the beer, the pub and having a terrific time.

The TV campaign raises the profile of Abbot in particular and cask beer in general, at a time when cask is already enjoying a renaissance, outperforming other draught beers and helping to draw people into the pub.

Fiona Hope, marketing director at Greene King Brewing Company, said: “Abbot is the most popular premium cask beer in London and among the top two nationwide. It is a real beer lover’s beer – a true classic that appeals to people of discerning tastes, people who will thoroughly appreciate Brian’s story-telling performance. The TV campaign will reach over a million 35-54 year old ABC1 men over 10 times. We have solid evidence of how this helps drive sales.”

Beer lovers will be able to obtain their own special glass Abbot tankard, like the one featured with Brian via a collector scheme in local pubs across the country.

The highly sought-after Abbot Ale Reserve will return in November and will be available until December. It will also be participating in the tankard promotion.

To find out more about stocking Abbot Ale or about the Tankard promotion, contact Greene King’s Customer Care Team on 0845 850 4545.

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By Matt Furnell, 08/10/2009 2:56 pm

Cambridge United are thrilled to announce Greene King as their new main sponsors and home shirt partners for the next three years in one of the most important sponsorship deals in the club’s history. 

Greene King, which brews in Bury St Edmunds, just 25 miles down the road from the Club has signed a exciting three year contract with the U’s which will see Greene King IPA as the Official Beer of Cambridge United. The Main Stand will become known as the Greene King IPA Stand.

Cambridge United business development manager Gary Atyes told the website, “I’m delighted and proud we have secured Greene King as our new main shirt partners and beer suppliers. It makes for a great match. They are a successful, well regarded local company with great beers and a team of people who are as passionate about quality ale as they are about customer service.

“This association is fantastic news for the U’s: not only will we have great beer on our bars, but we will also be able to work with local pubs to build grass roots support. Both our organisations are an integral part of the local community and the link we have made will be used to benefit U’s supporters and pub customers alike.”

The Bury St Edmunds based brewer is well known in the region for their sponsorship of Ipswich Town, which they took on following its relegation in 1995 and which saw the Club rise up the tables over the years to finish fifth in the Premier League and to compete in Europe the following season.

Greene King’s managing director Justin Adams commented, “We are excited to be backing Cambridge United and look forward to combining our energies to ensure a successful and progressive association. Our organisations and people share the same values, which revolve around bringing pleasure to fans and customers, and importantly our desires to support our local communities. We are relishing the opportunity to work together on some great local activity in the coming years.”

Greene King will be making helping the club to upgrade the bar facilities around the ground to make sure the fans get a great pint of beer at match days.

“We are determined to make this a win for Cambridge United fans and Greene King pub-goers alike,” concludes Justin.