CaskForce Announces First Monthly Winners

CaskForce, the beer quality initiative driven by Marston’s in conjunction with the Morning Advertiser has announced its first monthly winners.

Nigel and Tee Maud celebrated their CaskForce win on Valentines Day with a cheeky pint of Marston’s Burton Bitter at their 16th century former coaching inn.The couple, from The New Inn at St Owen’s Croft in Hereford, are thrilled about their news - and reckon it’s testament to all the hard work they’ve put in to turn the fortunes of their destination pub around.

Tee said: “We are absolutely delighted.  All our hard work has finally paid off!”

The CaskForce initiative meant the pair had their staff trained in the nationally-recognised BIIAB Award in Beer and Cellar Quality (ABCQ) for free. They were awarded the Beautiful Beer Gold Award run by the BBPA, and were given £500 to put towards developing their pub.

“Training is very important to us.  Real ales are a lot more difficult to control as opposed to ciders and lagers.

“They have to be in perfect condition from the moment the draymen deliver them, to how they are racked in the cellar, how you peg them, tap them to how you pour each pint.

“Each stage is critical to ensure you get the perfect pint.  And believe me, if you haven’t got it right, your regulars will let you know!”

The couple took over the picture-postcard, oak-beamed inn two years ago.  In partnership with owners Marston’s Pub Company, they spent a year sensitively refurbishing the country pub, giving it a new lease of life – and two fabulous rooms with four-poster beds for guests.

“We are not en route to anywhere, so we knew when we took over the pub we would have to offer something really special to entice people here.

“That’s why we work so hard to ensure our food is all fresh, home-cooked and locally-sourced and our beer quality is second to none.”

Nigel and Tee’s background is in the hotel and restaurant business.  But the New Inn has provided them with exactly the kind of challenge they relish – and developing the overnight trade has come naturally.

The pub keeps three cask ales on during the winter, five in the busy summer months.  Their regular beer is Burton Bitter with guest ales – at the moment including Marston’s Porter from the Classic Ales range.

They have put their winnings towards training for their staff in the summer.

“We don’t think you can put too high a price on training. It’s an investment for the business.  It not only reinforces people’s skills, it also makes them feel that they are actually appreciated.  You need to keep staff on their toes and offer them challenges – it keeps them motivated and interested in their demanding job.”

The couple now go forward with six other pubs to the CaskForce grand draw to get their rent paid for a whole year.

Look out for the announcement of next month’s CaskForce winners.

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