PREMIER BITTER WINS GOLD!

p1
1/9/08
12:24
Page 1
The news magazine of
Moorhouse’s,
brewers of world
championship beers
Issue No.13 2008/9
PREMIER BITTER WINS GOLD!
NEW COMMERCIAL HITS TV!
DELIVERY FLEET EXPANDS!
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1/9/08
12:25
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Voted Britain’s
A good
beer
guidedtour
Britain’s leading beer
writer, Good Beer Guide
Roger Protz (left) is greeted by Moorhouse’s
editor Roger Protz, made
managing director, David Grant
a whistle-stop tour of
Moorhouse’s Brewery and its pub estate following a major
brewing awards success.
Journalist Roger, author of numerous books on both UK and
international beers, visited the Burnley brewery to be briefed on
the recent record-breaking sales, pub investments and future
development plans.
The visit came just two weeks after Moorhouse’s Premier Bitter
was proclaimed the UK’s top standard bitter by SIBA, the Society
of Independent Brewer’s - the latest in a line of top national and
international awards for the Burnley cask-conditioned ale brewer.
On the tour Roger gave an
interview to David Saville of BBC
Radio Lancashire, during which
he described the various beers
styles and praised the quality
and range of Moorhouse’s brews.
Managing director David Grant
said: “It was both a great
pleasure and a real honour to
have Roger Protz visit us for an
update on our achievements in
recent years and our ambitious
plans for the future. So soon
after the terrific recent SIBA win
for Premier Bitter, it was particularly gratifying to be able to tell
our story to the UK’s most
respected beer writer.”
Roger Protz (left) is interviewed by David
Saville of BBC Radio Lancashire
Greg Casson
We are
delighted to be
working with
By using all of the skill and expertise which we have gained
from more than 30 years of experience in this field, and by
supplying equipment sourced from some of the leading
manufacturers in the industry, we have enabled Moorhouse’s
to deliver their award-winning beers to glass in the most
professional manner.
Greg Casson, 11 Micklehurst Crescent, Burnley BB11 5JH
Mobile: 0780 104 2070 • e-mail: gregc@sson.me.uk
WITCH NEWS - PAGE 2
Above: Moorhouse's MD David Grant (centre) receives a mini-yard
and certificate from Peter Kerr of category sponsor AB UK (left),
and SIBA president, Keith Bott.
Moorhouse’s has scooped two more top
brewing accolades.
Premier Bitter (3.7%abv) took gold in its class for
standard bitters at the SIBA (Society of Independent
Brewers) North Annual Conference Awards, where
100 beers battled it out across seven ale categories
at the Scarisbrick Hotel, Southport. And at the SIBA
National Beer Competition in York, Premier went on
to scoop silver overall in the battle of UK beers,
ranging from mild to speciality ales.
Managing Director David Grant said: “To be
recognised by our brewing industry peers is a real
honour and a tremendous tribute to the sheer
dedication of the brewing team. The beers in this contest are judged
not just on brewing excellence but also on commercial appeal. Winning
this award means we are now recognised as producing the most
saleable normal strength beer from among several hundred
independent brewers from throughout the country.
“Premier Bitter is simply top quality cask-conditioned beer relatively
low in strength and therefore very suitable for drinking on a night out
with friends. With this
top accolade under our
belts we now aim to
make it available in many
more pubs in the North
West and Yorkshire.”
Moorhouse's MD David Grant
(left) raises a glass of Premier
Bitter to his brewing team's SIBA
success. Pictured (L-R) head brewer
Peter Curran with assistants
Graham Bailey and Mark Bennett.
p3
1/9/08
12:26
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Premier Bitter!
From the chair..
These are tough times for the
brewing/pubs industry.
Supermarkets are selling alcohol products,
especially beer and lager, as loss leaders,
often below cost!
Some time ago I saw some bottled foreign
lager, 5% abv on sale in a supermarket at a price less than
the duty content of Pendle Witches Brew! How are we
supposed to compete with that?
The concentration of buying power into a few giant Pubcos
means that Brewers are squeezed for ever increasing
discounts at a time when the cost of raw materials i.e.
barley and hops has escalated dramatically in the past 12
months.
Inevitably some breweries will pay the ultimate price and
be forced out of business (Cains is a recent example) but
economics law would suggest that this situation will not
last indefinitely and more favourable trading conditions
will return.
At Moorhouse’s we're benefitting from our superb product
range, excellent service and loyal customer base together
with a gradual increase in the number of beer drinkers who
appreciate the qualities of 'real ale'.
We will definitely be among the fittest who survive the
present difficult conditions.
Halloween beers fly out!
Moorhouse’s Black Cat cast its Halloween spell nationwide as
the company celebrated an all-time sales record.
More than 550 firkins – nearly 40,000 pints - of the
award-winning brand left the brewery during
October destined for Wetherspoon’s pubs
throughout the UK. The deal with Britain’s premier
real-ale pub chain meant that Moorhouse’s more
than doubled the previous year’s seasonal sales and
even outstripped Christmas 2006 by some thirty per cent. It comes as
Moorhouse’s annual figures showed a 16 per cent growth over the
12-month period.
A further sales boost came from a leading Northern supermarket chain.
Booths promoted the newly-launched bottled Blond Witch throughout
October.,
Moorhouse’s Halloween portfolio also features a range of caskconditioned ales supplementing the regular brands – Pendle Witches
Brew, Blond Witch and Black Cat – to celebrate the legend of the
infamous Pendle Witches. The five brews are: Broomstick Bitter
(4.0%abv); Witch Hunt (4.8%abv); Black Witch (4.2%abv); Witches
Cauldron (4.2%abv); and Witchfinder General (4.4%abv).
David Grant, Moorhouse’s managing director, said: “Halloween is
always a special time of year for us in Lancashire but the deals with
Wetherspoon’s and Booths made our beer the season’s choice for
discerning drinkers far and wide.
“This success comes from our hard work in recent years to make our
brands the preferred beers of Halloween - without the benefit of a huge
advertising budget.”
Bill Parkinson,
Chairman
Moorhouse’s Brewery
(Burnley) Ltd
Moorhouse’s
Brewery
(Burnley) Ltd
The Brewery, Moorhouse Street, Burnley BB11 5EN
Tel: (01282) 422864/416004 • Fax: (01282) 838493
Web: www.moorhouses.co.uk • e-mail: info@moorhouses.co.uk
Directors: W B Parkinson, I Parkinson, D W Grant
is edited by Chris Freer
and produced by freerbutler graphic design
www.freerbutler-gds.co.uk
Some editorial material and pictures courtesy of Rhino PR
PAGE 3 - WITCH NEWS
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1/9/08
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Blond is in demand
Moorhouse’s recently received one of
its largest-ever free trade orders
when it was listed by Marstons to
appear in its guest ale portfolio.
Blond Witch was the beer chosen to
be rostered to appear throughout
the Marston Pub Company estate
throughout the month of June, and
although the initial order was for
1,200 firkins (£86,400 pints), the
final total was nearer 1,600,
underlining the popularity of this classic
golden beer.
Keeping them dry
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well!
That seems to be the philosophy behind the construction of a new
‘smoking shelter’ at the Craven Heifer in Rawtenstall. Faced with
the industry-wide dilemma of how best to cope with the requirements of government anti-smoking legislation, hosts Peter &
Hilary Furnival identified a likely area to the side of the building,
behind the existing covered entrance.
A skillful bit of construction work by Centrefurb-NW Ltd has
resulted in a seamless addition to the pub, with smokers able to
access the new shelter without having to endure the elements.
Good news all round.
Ten for Lynne
The trophies just keep coming at the General Scarlett, the
Moorhouse’s ‘brewery tap’ on Accrington Road in Burnley.
PROVIDERS OF PC EQUIPMENT & TECHNICAL
SUPPORT TO MOORHOUSE’S BREWERY
TEL: 01282 424041 • P3COMPUTERS.COM
DOOTSONS LLP
Fresh from last years ‘domin0-ation’ of the Ladies West End
Dominoes League, the pub’s A and B teams have again been busy
battling for the honours, with the former emerging triumphant as
their (very) local rivals eventually trailed in third. Meanwhile, the
Ladies darts team won their competition, whilst the men’s darts
and pool sides both clinched runners-up slots.
Landlady Lynne Murton celebrated ten years at the pub in April
with a lively party featuring a buffet, karaoke and a singer.
Congratulations to Lynne, who, following the retirement of Joan
Houghton at the Pendle Witch, is now Moorhouse’s longestserving licensee.
Top laughs
At the Stanley, Moorhouse’s pub in the Burnleywood
district of Burnley, aspirations aren’t quite so high for the
recently-formed Ladies darts team, which includes pub
landlady Yvonne Binney.
“We just like to have a laugh,” confesses Yvonne of her team of
seven which proudly props up the division in which they compete.
“I think it’s fair to say that we won’t need a bigger trophy cabinet
this season, but the main thing is that we have a good night out.”
Morecambe Bay Wines
& Spirits Company Ltd
Tel: 01524 39481
Fax: 01524 382215
www.baywines.co.uk
www.thewineyard.co.uk
www.brysonsbrewery.co.uk
CENTREFURB-NW-LTD
Public House
Refurbishment Contractors
TEL OI51 521 8782
MOBILE 07973 519118
E-MAIL centrefurb@blueyonder.co.uk
WITCH NEWS - PAGE 4
Pleased to be chosen by Moorhouse’s
construct the smoking shelter for theto
Craven Heifer, Rawtenstall
is pleased to be the major
supplier of all wines, spirits
and soft drinks to the
Moorhouse’s
public house estate
Also leading suppliers of beers, lagers and
cask ales in the North West of England
Newgate • White Lund Industrial Estate • Morecambe • Lancs LA3 3PT
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1/9/08
12:27
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New broom at Blacko
The Rising Sun in Blacko will be experiencing a few
changes during the coming months, with a rolling
refurbishment programme about to begin.
New hosts Jaclyn and Daniel Sutcliffe propose to introduce a full
lunchtime and evening menu on Friday and Saturdays, and all day
on Sundays. Snacks will be available during the week.
Drinkers rewarded
The Pendle Witch goes from strength to strength following
the major redevelopment programme in 2007, which saw
our Atherton pub double in size and considerably boost its
profile within the town.
Food is now available from midday until seven, every day of the
week except for Monday. The menu has been given a fresh look,
and includes daily specials created by the pub’s full-time chef.
New landlord Damien Stephan has also trialed a rewards scheme
for cask ale drinkers, with customers receiving vouchers when
purchasing a qualifying product, and earning a free pint after
collecting the required amount. The scheme has proved so
popular that Damien expects to reintroduce it later in the year.
The Pendle Witch now hosts pool, darts and dominoes teams in its
newly-created games room, whilst a Friday disco night, weekend
Summer barbecues, and planned food ‘theme’ nights are
additional attractions.
Racing cert!
The Craven Heifer has literally gone to the dogs! Or rather,
a party from the pub recently made the short trip to Belle
Vue Greyhound stadium for a night’s entertainment.
Shortly after, another trip was organised, this time to Haydock
Park for some racing of the equine variety. There was plenty of
excitement on the day, particular with one member of the party
ending up just one winner away from a sizeable sum on an
accumulator. That would have been an additional excuse for a
few drinks back at the ranch!
Food on the move
Craven
Heifer
264 Burnley Road,
Rawtenstall, Lancs.
BB4 8LA
Tel: 01706 214757
Dusty
Miller
87Crostons Road,
Bury, Lancs.
BL8 1AL
Tel: 0161 764 1124
General
Scarlett
243 Accrington Road,
Burnley, Lancs.
BB11 5ET
Tel: 01282 831054
Pendle
Witch
Moorhouse’s recently joined forces with one of
Lancashire’s leading country inns to present a beer-withfood evening as one of its popular ‘Showcase’ events, and
attracted the attention of local radio.
Warburton Pl. Market St.
Atherton, Lancs.
M46 0EQ
Head chef Richard Smith at the Sparrow Hawk, Wheatley Lane,
Fence near Burnley, put together a five-course ‘tapas-style’ menu
featuring several of the region’s traditional dishes matched with
Moorhouse’s award winning cask-conditioned brands.
The event was organised by the pubs’ assistant manager Amanda
Baily and attracted about fifty guests. Amongst the diners was
BBC’s Radio Lancashire journalist David Saville, who broadcast a
report on the station’s Drivetime slot the following day.
Note: Any licencees wishing to put on a beer&food showcase
evening should contact David Grant on 01282 422864.
Tel: 01942 884537
Below (from left) manager Darren Sporson, head chef Richard Smith, assistant manager
Angela Baily, and David Grant of Moorhouse’s
Rising
Sun
330 Gisburn Road,
Blacko, Lancs.
BB9 6LS
Tel: 01282 612173
The
Stanley
164 Oxford Road,
Burnley, Lancs.
BB11 3HB
Tel: 01282 413276
PAGE 5 - WITCH NEWS
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Home from home
The Pendle Inn at Barley is a real home from home for
Moorhouse’s beers. Situated as it is at the foot of Pendle
Hill, in the heart of ‘Witch Country’, this busy free house
boasts three handpumps offering Blond Witch, Pride of
Pendle, and the pub’s own Barley Best Bitter, all brewed
by Moorhouse’s.
The village and surrounding area is steeped in history
- George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement,
had his ‘vision’ on Pendle Hill - and although the pub
building only dates from 1930, its rustic interior and
open fires belie its relative youth.
The Pendle Inn was taken over by the Lowcock family just over two
years ago. Locally born, they have their own livestock farm just
across the road, and with current retail thinking moving towards the
use of local produce, it’s reassuring to know that much of the food
on the menu originates from the farmland literally yards away.
Laura Lowcock is the manager of the Pendle Inn and presides over
an operation that not only includes bar
and dining facilities, but a row of five
self-contained cottage-style letting
rooms situated across the car park from
the pub. Laura is very supportive of the
Moorhouse’s cask ale range, and says
that although they have tried other
regional brands on occasions,
customers consistently prefer the
Burnley-brewed beers.
“Moorhouse’s remains very popular,” she
confirms. “All of the locals drink them, and I
would say that tourists are immediately
attracted to the names with Pendle
connotations - the Barley Best Bitter goes
down a real storm!”
The beers also make their way into the
kitchen, with the chef producing popular
dishes such as Pendle Steak &
Moorhouse’s Ale Pie, Pendle Pie, and also
beer-battered fish.
The pub is naturally popular with
walkers and tourists on the Pendle Witch
Trail. There may not be too many sightings of actual
witches these days, but one look at the bar in the Pendle Inn
should prove more than worthy compensation.
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WITCH NEWS - PAGE 6
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Motor Fleet
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Property Owners
p7
1/9/08
12:28
Page 1
Ready for
TV again!
Moorhouse’s is set to follow up the success of its
debut TV commercial last year by unveiling a
follow-up, scheduled to run this autumn in the
Granada and Yorkshire TV regions. Filmed in the
company’s own Rising Sun public house at
Blacko, this latest commercial is based upon a
Halloween fancy dress party scene, with elves,
witches, a fairy - and even a toad - appearing among
bemused regulars at the popular ‘Pendle country’ pub.
Two characters in the
shoot were local men Dr
Jim Kendra and Bernard
Casey, who secured
starring roles when they
bid for the parts in an
auction to raise fund for
the Pendleside Hospice at
the annual Moorhouse’s
Charity Golf Tournament. A
cheque for £1,360 was
presented to the Hospice’s
Kaye Bartle and Christina Cope (pictured above). Members of
Burnley Operatic Society also appear in the 30 second commercial.
Moorhouse’s managing director David Grant: “In recent years
Moorhouse’s has become increasingly known as the UK’s premier
Halloween brewer. So, building on last year’s success, we decided
to commission another commercial aimed at further stimulating
sales of our award-winning cask ales over the ‘witch season’ in
October.
“This is another imaginative commercial from Picture Coverage and
I expect it to add a little more fun to the Halloween season while
again building our sales as we prepare for a major expansion.”
This second commercial to be produced by the North West’s world
beating cask-conditioned ale brewer follows the success of it first
venture into television last December.
That debut burst made Moorhouse’s the smallest brewer ever to
advertise on TV and resulted in an all time record for festive sales
of its championship brands – Blond Witch, Premier Bitter, Pride of
Pendle, the celebrated Pendle Witches Brew and Black Cat, CAMRA
(Campaign for Real Ale) Champion Beer of Britain 2000.
New brewery update
Moorhouse’s managing director David Grant has
confirmed that the company is “well on course” to
complete the development project for the brewery within
the original four-year timescale.
The company has appointed Chris Baker Associates in the role
of project manager and client representative, assisting with all
aspects in relation to the planning, design and build of the new
brewery premises, from conception through to completion. This
includes the building, plant and equipment and fit-out of the
premises.
When reaching completion - currently scheduled for the end of
December 2009 - the new brewhouse will be capable of
producing around 180 brewer’s barrels of beer - that’s around
50,000 pints - per day, effectively trebling the existing output.
As a result , the workforce will need to be doubled, creating
more employment for the town of Burnley.
So what else needs to be finalised? Well, although the majority
of the finance for the project is in place, David Grant details
areas where further assistance would be invaluable.
“We are looking towards local government for additional grant
funding,” he says. “And also Heritage Lottery funding for the
visitor centre and training school. We’re also looking very
closely at ‘green’ energy issues, such as assistance with
financing solar panels and such like.”
Although there is still much to do, David says that the process is
very much on track. “With what has been achieved so far,
hopefully we are now less than two years away from opening a
new major regional brewery in the town.”
Delighted to be appointed
project manager
for the creation of a new
brewhouse and visitor centre for
Moorhouse’s Brewery
Chris Baker Associates
The Long Barn, Liley Lane
Ecklands, Millhouse Green
Sheffield S36 9NG
Tel/Fax: 01226 766033
Mob: 07976 267598 (Chris Baker)
info@cba-ltd.co.uk
PAGE 7 - WITCH NEWS
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1/9/08
13:11
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Golden Cue gets
brewery support
Moorhouse’s has pledged ongoing support for a major
snooker tournament in East Lancashire’s clubs.
The Burnley brewer agreed a sponsorship deal last year when,
after a 16-year absence, the once popular Golden Cue contest was
resurrected by the Burnley Express newspaper. Club members
from Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley were eligible to enter the
£1,000 prize money individual contest, with a first prize of £400
and second prize of £200.
In a grand final in Burnley’s Ighten Leigh Social Club, the club’s
own Jonny O’Reilly claimed the title with a resounding 4-0 win
over Joe Nolan of Colne Snooker Club. At the presentation Express
sports editor Edward Lee proclaimed the Moorhouse’s Golden Cue
a huge success, thanking Moorhouse’s for its support and Neil
McGovern of Ighten Leigh for his organisation of the revived event.
Pledging sponsorship for a second year Moorhouse’s managing
director David Grant said: “The resurgence of snooker in clubs in
East Lancashire has coincided with the rising popularity of real ale
in these clubs, so we are delighted to be associated with the
Golden Cue and offer our continued support.
“Moorhouse’s has developed business with many social clubs and
we wish to see them thrive. The renewed sponsorship of the
Golden Cue is a firm indication of our commitment to clubs.
Dedicated to cask-conditioned ale, we firmly believe that, handled
with care, it is a real point of difference for clubs. Experience
shows that stocking our award-winning cask ales will reward
clubs with increased trade. Ighten Leigh is a great example of this.
“The contest was a good trade generator for the clubs and the
attendance at
Ighten Leigh for
the semi-finals
and final was
really terrific.
For Moorhouse’s
the competition
has further
raised the
brewery’s profile
among clubgoers.”
More tee-time
raises £1,400
for charity
The success of the annual Moorhouse’s Brewery golf
competition meant that the 2008 event was marked by two
separate day-long contests for customers and suppliers.
Thirty-two teams took part in the charity events at the Standish
Court Golf Club, near Chorley, and almost £1400 was raised for the
Pendleside Hospice in Burnley. The total was boosted by a raffle
of prizes donated by suppliers and an auction of two places in the
cast of the brewery’s next ‘witches’ TV commercial – bought for
£500!
A bar and barbecued steak sandwiches greeted competitors on
the 8th tee, whilst those nearing the end of their rounds found
further refreshment loitering at the 16th. Afterwards, in the
clubhouse, a steel band maintained the lively atmosphere.
A team fielded by the Birches Hotel in Whitworth, Rochdale winners two years ago - emerged victorious for the first day of the
event, whilst Incentives UK took the honours on Day Two,
ironically winning back one of the trophies they had supplied for
the event!
David Grant, managing director, said: “Our competition has gone
from strength to strength over the years and become so popular
that we had to run it over two days this year to accommodate all
the teams. We had a terrific couple of days while also doubling
the money we raised for charity.”
ABOVE: Pictured at the presentation to the Day One winning Birches team are
(L-R): Jon Leech, Moorhouse’s chairman Bill Parkinson, Birches’ licensee Andrew
Wilkinson, Rod Wilkinson and Paul Wood.
Scottish & Newcastle
Suppliers to the Moorhouse’s estate
and free trade businesses across
Yorkshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, & Cheshire.
The Burnley brewer sponsored the ‘Best Lancashire Restaurant’ at
the glittering celebrity charity dinner, with the accolade being
scooped by the Thyme @ Sirloin, situated at Hoghton, near
Preston. A highly-competitive contest - hailed as ‘The Dining
Oscars of the North’ - saw Hi-Life diners vote in 12 categories.
MONKSFIELD LANE NEWLAND, Nr. MALVERN
WORCS. WR13 5BB
Tel: (01905) 830734 Fax: (01905) 831790
www.wellhopped.co.uk
The presentation night, held in Manchester’s five-star Hilton Hotel
in the new Beetham Tower, was attended by many of the region’s
leading show-biz personalities including Slade front man Noddy
Holder, comedian Dave Spikey, and several members of the casts
from both Coronation Street and Brookside. A raffle and charity
pledge raised £6,200 for the Christie Hospital in Manchester.
CHARLES FARAM & CO LTD.
Hop Factors and Merchants
MOORHOUSE’S
BREWERY FOR OVER
50 YEARS
WITCH NEWS - PAGE 8
Moorhouse’s lives
the ‘Hi-Life’
Moorhouse’s was once again to the fore at the starstudded Hi-Life Dining Awards 2008, which celebrated the
success of Lancashire’s top dining destination.
L to R- marker Neil McGovern, Burnley Express sports editor Edward Lee, Joe Nolan,
referee David Howe, Jonny O'Reilly, brewery MD David Grant, marker Chris Durkin.
PROUD SUPPLIERS OF
FINEST QUALITY
WHOLE HOPS TO
Pictured at the Hi-Life awards are L-R Alison Keough,Wayne Keough, Noddy Holder,
Matthew Locke, Alex Coward and David Grant of Moorhouse’s Brewery
The Nation’s Favourites
Customer Helpline 0845 8787074
Moorhouse’s managing director David Grant said: “ Thyme @
Sirloin displays Lancashire’s well-deserved reputation for top
dining. Recognition at this prestigious event is a real accolade. As
a world-renowned independent brewer committed to the highest
quality in our beers we are very keen to promote the excellence of
Lancashire’s hospitality industry. Thyme @ Sirloin is a terrific
example of that excellence and was chosen from very stiff
competition.”
PAGE 9 - WITCH NEWS
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1/9/08
12:29
Page 1
Taking Pride
Proof that the popularity of Moorhouse’s beers
extends much further than its East Lancashire
heartland can come in no better shape or form than
the Swettenham Arms.
This decidedly rural pub in the village of Swettenham is set
in its own grounds a few miles west of the Cheshire town of
Congleton - some seventy miles or so from Burnley - but has
been a regular Moorhouse’s stockist for many years.
Owned by Frances & Jim Cunningham, this 16th century country inn
was formerly a nunnery, and ghost stories abound, some of them
recorded on the pub’s own website www.swettenhamarms.co.uk
The hostelry is geared up to cater for large events, with a selfcontained function facility able to accommodate up to 120 seated
guests, and up to 200 for a more informal, buffet-style reception.
Patio doors open out onto a beer garden set in front of an extremely
attractive lavender meadow and adjacent woodland.
Responsible for this operation is banqueting & conference manager
Eze (pronounced ‘ethy’) D’Acuna, who moved to England from his
native Spain in the mid 1990’s, He arrived at the Swettenham Arms
a few years later and has enjoyed country life here ever since.
The number of cask-conditioned beers on sale at any one time
varies depending on the expected level of trade, but alongside
beers from local microbrewers, there’s usually at least one
Moorhouse’s brew on tap.
“When I first came here, Black Cat was on sale, and Moorhouse’s
beers have proved continually popular ever since,” says Eze.
Pride of Pendle is another Burnley brew popular with the clientele,
and, says Eze, the Moorhouse’s makes that extra effort to ensure
that the beers are well-promoted. “The brewery’s representative,
Mick Finn, often pops in to see if everything is OK,” he notes.
“Usually he has point-of-sale items with him, such as badged
glasses, which help to promote the beers.”
Stocking Moorhouse’s award-winning beers has doubtless helped
earn the Swettenham Arms its Casque Marque status, of which Eze
is especially proud.
Quite recently, the inn played host to a special event marking 100
years of Rolls Royce cars. They have a genuine reputation for
quality at the Swettenham Arms, and that begins with the beer.
New thinking,
At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be anything
particularly ‘new’ about the New Inn.
Part of the structure is approaching its 280th birthday, and the
same landlord’s name has been above the door for the past
twenty years or so, so it would appear quite traditional to most.
Head for the bar, however, and you could be forgiven for thinking
that you were at a CAMRA beer festival, such is the range of cask
beer - most of it local - on offer.
Contract bottlers to
MOORHOUSE’S
We are pleased
to be playing
our part in the
B LO N D
WITCH
success story!
For information ring 01902 880051
WITCH NEWS - PAGE 10
So maybe the ‘new’ is in ‘new thinking’ because here we have a
pub that is NOT a free house, but enjoys a sensible working
relationship between operator and pub group owner.
Alan Lees is the long-serving licensee of the hostelry, set on a hill
in the Lancashire town of Clitheroe. In the time that he has been
at the pub, ownership of the building has switched several times,
but he has fought to maintain the trading freedom that has seen
his business flourish, despite difficult times for the pub trade.
“I’ve built my business on cask ale,” he states. “We don’t sell
food, just beer. We were the first in the town to major on real ale,
and we have up to ten beers on tap at any one time.”
It’s no secret that national pub groups don’t always share the
same view as licensees when it comes to deciding what brands
should be on the bar, but Alan has stood firm in his dealings with
the various companies that have owned the New Inn, and feels
that both parties
ultimately benefit from
his stance.
“I think that it is in pub
companies’ own interests
to look after good
operators,” adds Alan,
“and our track record
here certainly puts us
into that category.”
p11
1/9/08
12:29
Page 1
Beer and football are a happy mix, and many a steady pub
can enjoy a considerable boost to its weekly ‘take’ from
being in close proximity to a Premier League venue.
For landlord Dave Britnell it’s twice the prize, for as a keen
Manchester City supporter he regularly gets to see his beloved
team, whilst also enjoying the patronage of fans making their way
towards the nearby City of Manchester stadium.
The Legh Arms is situated on Ashton Old Road in the Openshaw
district of Manchester. A recent local CAMRA branch Pub of the
Year, this down-to-earth, drinkers pub is owned by Punch Taverns,
and marked Dave’s debut into the licensed trade at the start of this
century.
A bit of history about the pub name. The village - as it then was - of
Openshaw was home to wealthy landowner George Cornwall Legh,
who in the 19th century sold some of his estate to the Sheffield,
Ashton under Lyne & Manchester Railway company for the
construction of a locomotive and carriage works. With the influx of
workers the area boomed and a number of pubs opened up to cater
for the increased business, the Legh Arms - named in honour of the
former landowner - being one of them.
Times change, and the railway yards closed, with the current Legh
Arms now surrounded primarily by industrial units, in addition to
the Manchester College of Arts & Technology which is situated just
across the road.
good drinking!
The pub sources most of its cask beers from the local area, and
has been stocking Moorhouse’s for the best part of two decades.
“Moorhouse’s beers are spot-on!” he states. “They’re always
consistent and Premier is our best-seller, without a doubt.”
Blond Witch is another regular, and the pub also indulges in the
Halloween and Christmas specials.
Alan himself is handing over the day-to-day running of his pub to
manager Andy Winder, but it will be business as usual as the New
inn stays pro-active in a difficult market. In fact, sales of all beers
are currently benefiting from a recent price DROP at the New Inn,
and says Alan, “Our business is extraordinary! We saw prices
going up elsewhere so we did some good deals and actually
reduced ours. I have to say that trade is going very well.”
Dave Britnell with some of the
Legh Arms’ recent awards
The latter-day Legh Arms is now making
a name for itself with the range and
quality of its beer. Locally-sourced cask
ales began to arrive on the bar, courtesy of Dave’s enthusiasm, and
the SIBA DDS (direct delivery scheme) which allows landlords of
pub-group hostelries a wider choice of real ales, most of them from
the small microbreweries.
“One of the first companies I dealt with was Moorhouse’s, when I
ordered some Black Cat,” he recalls. “It’s always been a good beer,
and really just sells itself.”
The Legh Arms has won an award for its mild sales, with Black Cat
playing its part. Moorhouse’s also supplies ‘Blue’, the pub’s house
beer which despite it’s premium strength (4.4%abv) is a top seller,
particularly on City match days where it “flies out the door!”
Very recently, Dave and partner Tracey Bossons have concluded a
deal with Punch which has taken the pub free-of-tie. Significantly,
with the UK’s micro-brewing industry as a whole to target, one deal
he was happy to conclude at an early stage was for Moorhouse’s to
continue to supply Black Cat and Blue on a regular basis.
“We’ve a very busy cask ale trade,” says Dave, “but it’s based on
what I know will be popular here. My customers know their beer
and will let me know if it’s not up to scratch. That’s a problem I
don’t get with Moorhouse’s.”
Long may that continue!
PAGE 11 - WITCH NEWS
p12
1/9/08
12:30
Page 1
On the
road
again!
Lancashire’s fastest-growing brewery
has invested in its first 26 tonne
Mercedes-Benz dray wagon to meet
spiralling demand for its ales.
The fully-liveried Axor HGV with a 300 firkins
capacity will now be seen flying the flag
around the north as testament to the rapidlyrising profile of the Burnley brewery.
Pictured with the new dray vehicle are
(from left): Anthony Wright, Leighton Disley,
Danny Flood, Liam Taggart,Tony Gregory,
Kevin Greenaway and David Foley with
David Grant at the wheel.
The fleet investment adds to the two 7.5 tonne vehicles - both
capable of carrying 60 firkins - already in service. It will allow
Moorhouse’s to meet the demands of its national accounts with one
delivery. As an essential part of the investment, the seven strong
dray team - plus managing director David Grant - have been put
through Class 2 HGV training.
David Grant said: “For a brewery of our size, this is a major step up
for the delivery fleet. It will greatly improve beer delivery efficiency
and cost management in the current difficult economic climate.
With business growing so quickly, it increases our payload for
servicing major customers such as Scot Co and Marstons - allowing
us to deliver 300 firkins in one drop.
“To ensure that the use of the vehicle is fully exploited, all our
drivers – and myself – have been put through HGV training to Class
2 level. It was a challenge and is a credit to them that they all
passed with flying colours. I am now looking forward to getting
behind the wheel myself sometimes.”
The vehicle is the first to be supplied by Ryder Ltd., in a deal which
includes a full service and maintenance contract. The two
companies have subsequently entered into an agreement whereby
Ryder will supply a further wagon, and undertake maintenance on
the existing Moorhouse’s fleet of drays and support vehicles.
Comments David Grant; “This capital investment has been made as
we enjoy rising sales both in the free trade and with pub companies
following the tremendous efforts of our sales team and increased
use of SIBA’s (Society of Independent Brewers) Direct Delivery
Scheme. We now have even more confidence in our exciting plans
for the future as we increasingly convince publicans that by
stocking our cask beers they will boost business.”
Moorhouse’s has also purchased a new Mercedes Sprinter, a
‘Technical Support Vehicle’, which is detailed to transport stock and
equipment for outside bars and trade shows, as well as supporting
the delivery fleet.
Bottles take
packaging honours
Moorhouse’s has been presented with an award by SIBA - the
Society of
Independent Brewers for its “new-style,
slim 500ml bottles
with strikingly fresh
wrap-around labels
making clear that the
beer was Moorhouse’s
while allowing the
different personality
of each product to
shine through.”
The award, for Best
Packaging Initiative in
the 2007 Local Brewing Business Awards, was presented to
managing director David Grant by SIBA chairman Peter Amor
at an awards dinner in November.
WITCH NEWS - PAGE 12
p13
1/9/08
13:01
Page 1
Why not organise a party to visit
Moorhouse’s Burnley brewery?
Moorhouse’s Brewery is the only brewery in the World to have had each of it’s
core brands achieve recognition at The Brewing Industry International Awards.
We can arrange tours for parties to learn more about 140 years of brewing at our brewery;
•to have the intricacies of the process explained by professionals;
•to see, touch, smell and taste the raw ingredients used in the process;
•to see the yeast actively converting the sugars into alcohol during the different stages of fermentation.
After the tour, the party retires to our ‘brewery tap’, the General Scarlett, just across the road from the
brewery, for a chance to ‘taste the difference’ and sample our prize-winning ales.
There’s also a traditional supper, and members of the party will receive a presentation pack containing
bottles of two of our award-winning beers, Black Cat and Pendle Witches Brew.
Brewery tours are arranged for parties of
15 to 30 people and are normally conducted on
Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings,
commencing at 7:30pm.
There are four Brewery Tour Packages to choose from, as follows:PACKAGE ONE
PACKAGE TWO*
An hour's tour and talk about
the brewery, followed by a pint of
Premier, traditional ‘pie and pea’
supper and presentation
pack on departure.
Cost - £12.00 per head
The Moorhouses Challenge package includes
the tour, 1 pint of each of our 5 ‘core’ brands,
pie and pea supper and a special
T-shirt stating that the wearer has completed
the Moorhouse’s Brewery Challenge.
Cost - £20.00 per head
PACKAGE THREE
PACKAGE FOUR*
As package one but our guests enjoy a
sumptuous buffet as an alternative
to the pie and pea supper.
Cost - £16.00 per head
As package two but guests enjoy a
sumptuous buffet as an alternative
to the pie and pea supper.
Cost - £24.00 per head
For an extra £30.00 your trip can include its very own Karaoke evening
with M.C. to ensure everyone participates in the entertainment.
Visits are only arranged by prior appointment.
A non-returnable deposit of £100.00 is required
to confirm your booking, the balance to be paid prior to the night.
Please contact the brewery for your "Brewery visit booking form"
which will be forwarded to you on request.
*Strictly available to non-drivers and coach parties only
For more details please ring Moorhouse’s Brewery on 01282 422864.
Please note that all party members must be aged 18 years or over.
PAGE 13 - WITCH NEWS
p14
1/9/08
12:31
Page 1
Simon’s our new man
in Yorkshire
Moorhouse’s Brewery has appointed Simon Oates to lead a
new sales drive in Yorkshire.
With almost thirty years’ experience in the brewing/pub industry including running the popular Jackdaw Inn, in Tadcaster, for several
years - Simon joins the company at an exciting time as it is poised to
double production capacity.
Simon takes up the post of account manager as Moorhouse’s enjoys
the success of a Yorkshire TV advertising campaign in December that
further boosted sales east of the Pennines.
Prior to taking the popular Jackdaw in 1998, Simon, 47, spent 20 years
in various management roles with John Smith’s Brewery, including
business development manager responsible for Leeds and West
Yorkshire.
Moorhouse’s managing director David Grant said: “Simon’s terrific
experience of the industry will be invaluable to us at this very exciting
stage in our growth. Our award winning cask beers sell very well in
Yorkshire, but the pre-Christmas TV campaign provoked further strong
interest. Simon will build on that.”
Bairds malt
Suppliers of Finest English & Scottish Pale
Ale, Pilsen & Roasted Malts and Barley
Bairds Malt Limited
Operations
Head Office
Elliot Ind. Estate
Station Maltings,
Witham, Essex CM8 2DU Arbroath DD11 2NJ
+44(0)1241 870431
+44(0)1376 513566
Father-of-five Simon said: “This is a terrific opportunity to make a
contribution to the future success of Moorhouse’s. I am greatly looking
forward to the challenge.”
Moorhouse’s go
Following two recent transatlantic trips - including time spent
at a world class business school - managing director David
Grant is now developing a business strategy for sales in the
burgeoning North American imported beer market.
Two new bottled brands - Blond Bitch (4.5%abv) and the stronger
English Owd Ale (5.9%) – have been produced exclusively for the US,
joining established brands Black Cat and Pendle Witches Brew that
have both sold in the niche Halloween market for several years.
Abbfab Services Ltd
Windley Street
Bolton BL2 2AH
Tel: 01204 523441
Fax: 01204 557930
www.abbfab.co.uk
Suppliers of brewing
equipment to
MOORHOUSE’S
and other award-winning
independent breweries
BS EN ISO9001:2000
Air & Water Cooled Chillers
Adiabatic Coolers
Free Cooling Chillers
Airblast Coolers
Cooling Tower Replacements
F.T. Refrigeration Limited
166 Old Road, Stockport SK4 1TD
Tel: 0161 480 4825 Fax: 0161 480 4827
Southern Office:
Tel: 01825 761544 Fax: 01825 763326
We offer design and sales of all forms of process cooling and full UK service
for all Corema products with extensive spares on the shelf.
WITCH NEWS - PAGE 14
The American beverage authority has recently approved the labelling
and packaging for the new ales - giving the green light for the Burnley
brewer to fully launch the beers and attract year-round sales. Now
agreement has been reached with key state distributors to support
and promote Moorhouse’s brands imported by Legends of Baltimore.
These distributors will be responsible for liaising with major
customers on the east coast of the USA, from New York to Florida.
David Grant secured a place on a marketing scholarship at the
internationally renowned Kellogg Graduate School of Management,
Illinois – the only executive from an independent UK brewer ever to be
selected. He was also one of just eight executives from UK SMEs
(small and medium size companies) that joined 40 managers from
international giants such as Ericcson, GE, Cisco Systems and the
Cascade Corporation.
The week was followed by time with Louis Glunz
Beer Inc of Chicago, founded in 1888 and
America’s oldest beer wholesaler, where David
worked in sales and spoke with many liquor store
buyers. He also met John Glunz, the head of the
company, to discuss marketing strategy and was
invited to return just two weeks later to attend
the annual Glunz Beer Expo trade show. In its
26th year the show was attended by 2,500 liquor
store and bar managers. Ready for the second
trip, T Shirts were printed that take a humourous
approach to Blond Bitch and English Owd Ale
(see picture, right).
p15
1/9/08
12:32
Page 1
Black Cat magic at world’s biggest cheese event
A new cheese made with Moorhouse’s famous Black Cat beer
has taken a top award at the world’s largest cheese show.
Dew-lay’s hand-crafted Creamy Lancashire blended with the
celebrated dark ale took gold in its class (Mild and Soft cheese with
additives) at Cheshire’s annual Nantwich International Cheese
Show, which this year attracted 33,000 visitors and 2,600 entries.
Award-winning cheese producer Dew-lay of Garstang, Lancashire,
collaborated with the Burnley cask-ale brewer to develop the beerflavoured cheese for Booths, the leading North West supermarket
retailer that champions regional food and drink. It is scheduled to
go on sale in the 25 store strong chain later this year.
Ian Coggin, Dew-lay sales and marketing
manager, said: “This is the first time this
cheese has seen the light of day and it is
also the first flavoured cheese we have
produced, so this gold award is an
especially terrific win at the biggest
cheese championship in the world.
“We worked closely with Moorhouse’s to
come up with the right balance of flavour
and this is a very welcome early recognition
of our efforts. We have a long track record of
prize winning Lancashire cheeses so it was
very important to get it right.”
for U.S. market
David Grant said: “I went back out there with Mike Hiscock, national
accounts manager, - armed with the T shirts - and this proved to be
terrifically useful. We met many buyers who were very enthusiastic
about our products and attracted interest from the US media.
“Black Cat was the preferred choice of many of the visitors we spoke
to. None of them could believe that a beer with so much character
could boast such a sociable abv!
“We have had a foothold in the US market at Halloween for some
years, but both the time at Kellogg and with Glunz gave me a real
insight into the way we should approach the market out there. It was
absolutely invaluable to a relatively small brewery from Burnley,
without the resources of big companies.
“Moorhouse’s has the advantage of the unique proposition for
Halloween, which is of course much celebrated out there, and we are
going to build on that. While in the States I became convinced that we
needed to build better relationships with our importer and distributors. There the liquor stores are massive and it is very easy for your
products to be buried if you don’t have a dedicated agent.
Cheese tasting! Moorhouse’s brewer Peter Curran, with Ian Coggins, sales manager and
Richard Kenyon, director, of Dew-lay
Top of the class
Brewing consistently good, award-winning ales requires
many things, not least of which is the best equipment.
Smoothing the flow of beer from conditioning tank to cask, for
instance, can be a messy business, which is why Moorhouse’s
turned to Microdat for a top-class Cask Racker to increase racking
of their brews without compromising the quality. The Microdat
Racker’s gentle pumping technology ensures the beer is delivered
to the firkin within 30 seconds without shearing and fobbing.
Traditionally the racking process uses C02 or sterile compressed
air to place a blanket over the beer to prevent gas breakout, but
the Microdat Racker’s smart electronics and specially designed
back pressure valve does away with this costly and environmentally unfriendly method.
Microdat’s Managing Director, Steve Midgley says; “We believe
the new racking system prevents damage to the beer allowing
Moorhouse’s customers to enjoy the award winning taste of
Premier Bitter.”
The Microdat Racker was also delivered with a specially designed
inline blending process and Finings and Primings injection
system.
Moorhouse’s Managing Director, David Grant is full of praise;
“The racker gives an even greater consistency to our beers as it
measures everything racked into cask. The racker has increased
the speed to which we can rack from 30 casks to 100 casks per
hour and has thus saved the company money. The service offered
by Microdat has been very good.”
“We got very good feedback on British beers and discovered that there
is a desire to sell them but they need marketing support, with beer
tasting activities and other promotions.”
Only 20 people a year are selected from
hundreds of applicants for two annual Kellogg
programmes, sponsored by British businessman
Ellis Goodman, CBE - who has lived in Chicago
for more than 20 years and introduced Mexican
Corona beer to the US - and supported by UK
Trade & Investment.
Left: David Grant and Mike Hiscock
prepare for a return visit to the ‘States’
armed with appropriate t-shirts
and bottles of Burnley’s finest.
PAGE 15 - WITCH NEWS
p16
1/9/08
13:05
Page 1
Black Cat
Premier Bitter
Pride of Pendle
Dark refreshing beer with a chocolate
malt flavour and smooth hoppy finish.
Double Gold Medal Winner,
International Brewing Awards 1998
Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 2000
Silver Champion Beer of Britain 2001
Bronze Champion Beer of Britain 2002
A session bitter, smooth and creamy,
amber in colour with a refreshing
hoppy finish.
Silver Medal Winner,
International Brewing Awards 1982 & 1992
Gold Medal Winner,
International Brewing Awards 2004
An exceptional fine balance of malt and
hops give this beer a long dry and
extremely satisfying finish.
Joint Winner,
SIBA Beer Festival Awards 2001
Gold Medal Winner and ‘Champion Cask Ale’,
International Brewing Awards 2004
3.4% abv
3.7% abv
4.1% abv
Hallowe’en Range
- from October 1st
1996
Blond Witch
4.5% abv
A true pale-coloured ale
with a crisp, delicate fruit flavour,
dry and refreshing with a smooth
hop finish.
Pendle Witches
Brew
5.1% abv
A full malty flavoured beer with a
strong fruity hop aftertaste.
Runner-up Champion Beer of Britain
1989/90 & 1994/5
Silver Medal, International Brewing Awards 1996
Christmas Ale
- from December 1st