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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”.

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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!’’

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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

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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.

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By Matt Furnell,

The Worppell in Ware has been chosen as an exclusive member of the new Head Brewer’s Club, a collection of Greene King’s hero cask ale pubs.

Following a rigorous selection process, the Worppell was picked by the Bury St Edmunds brewers as worthy of the accolade for its dedication to great cask beer.

Greene King head brewer John Bexon says: “Cask beer is a fresh, natural product, produced with wholesome ingredients. You can’t buy it in the supermarket, it is available only in the pub because it’s fresh. The landlord or landlady finishes off the brewing process in the pub cellar and it is their efforts that determine the quality of beer served to the customer. When served in great condition, cask ale is the best drink in the world and I want to pay tribute to these licensees who do it really well. 

“Membership of the Head Brewer’s Club means the guarantee of a great pint and top notch service. The Head Brewer’s plaque of honour will indicate the high standards you can expect.   Hearty congratulations to George Ward of the Worppell on his achievement.”

George Ward, a true ambassador for the pub trade and a licensee for over 26 years, says: “We’re very proud to be chosen to join the Head Brewer’s Club.  We know our customers love our ale and are very proud that the brewers have also given us their seal of approval.

“There is a real enthusiasm for cask beer, so now is the time to try it if you aren’t already an avid fan”. 

Members of the Head Brewer’s Club include an assortment of tenanted and leased pubs from historic country inns to thriving community locals.  For more details about the ‘Head Brewer’s Club,’ an insight into a day in the life of a head brewer and details of other member pubs in the area, please visit www.headbrewersclub.co.uk

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By Matt Furnell,

The Junction in Southampton has been chosen as an exclusive member of the new Head Brewer’s Club, a collection of Greene King’s hero cask ale pubs.

Following a rigorous selection process, the Junction was picked by the Bury St Edmunds brewers as worthy of the accolade for its dedication to great cask beer.

Greene King head brewer John Bexon says: “Cask beer is a fresh, natural product, produced with wholesome ingredients. You can’t buy it in the supermarket, it is available only in the pub because it’s fresh. The landlord or landlady finishes off the brewing process in the pub cellar and it is their efforts that determine the quality of beer served to the customer. When served in great condition, cask ale is the best drink in the world and I want to pay tribute to these licensees who do it really well. 

“Membership of the Head Brewer’s Club means the guarantee of a great pint and top notch service. The Head Brewer’s plaque of honour will indicate the high standards you can expect.   Hearty congratulations to Martin and Dawn of the Junction on their achievement.”

Martin Gentry, licensee of the Junction says: “We’re very proud to be chosen to join the Head Brewer’s Club.  We know our customers love our ale and are very proud that the brewers have also given us their seal of approval.

“There is a real enthusiasm for cask beer, so now is the time to try it if you aren’t already an avid fan”. 

Members of the Head Brewer’s Club include an assortment of tenanted and leased pubs from historic country inns to thriving community locals.  For more details about the ‘Head Brewer’s Club,’ an insight into a day in the life of a head brewer and details of other member pubs in the area, please visit www.headbrewersclub.co.uk

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By Matt Furnell,

The Brewery Tap in Abingdon has been chosen as an exclusive member of the new Head Brewer’s Club, a collection of Greene King’s hero cask ale pubs.

Following a rigorous selection process, the Brewery Tap was picked by the Bury St Edmunds brewers as worthy of the accolade for its dedication to great cask beer.

Greene King head brewer John Bexon says: “Cask beer is a fresh, natural product, produced with wholesome ingredients. You can’t buy it in the supermarket, it is available only in the pub because it’s fresh. The landlord or landlady finishes off the brewing process in the pub cellar and it is their efforts that determine the quality of beer served to the customer. When served in great condition, cask ale is the best drink in the world and I want to pay tribute to these licensees who do it really well. 

“Membership of the Head Brewer’s Club means the guarantee of a great pint and top notch service. The Head Brewer’s plaque of honour will indicate the high standards you can expect.   Hearty congratulations Matthew and Jacqueline of the Brewery Tap on their achievement. They have the most extraordinary attention to detail in the presentation and management of cask ales”.

Matthew Heritage licensee of the Brewery Tap says: “We’re very proud to be chosen to join the Head Brewer’s Club.  We know our customers love our ale and are very proud that the brewers have also given us their seal of approval.

“There is a real enthusiasm for cask beer, so now is the time to try it if you aren’t already an avid fan”. 

Members of the Head Brewer’s Club include an assortment of tenanted and leased pubs from historic country inns to thriving community locals.  For more details about the ‘Head Brewer’s Club,’ an insight into a day in the life of a head brewer and details of other member pubs in the area, please visit http://www.headbrewersclub.co.uk/