Stellar cellar
CaskForce, the beer-quality initiative driven by Marston's in conjunction with the Morning Advertiser announces its first monthly winners.
After landing the first place in the final of CaskForce, Nigel and Tee Maud celebrated their win on Valentine's Day with a 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 Herefordshire, are thrilled about the news which will see them compete against five other licensees for the ultimate prize - their rent paid for a year.
They believe the win is testament to all the hard work they've put in to turn around the fortunes of their destination pub.
"We are absolutely delighted. All our hard work has finally paid off," says Tee.
In addition to landing a place in the final, the pair have had their staff trained in the nationally-recognised BIIAB Award in Beer & Cellar Quality (ABCQ), were awarded Cask Marque accreditation and given £500 to put towards developing their pub.
Tee adds: "Training is very important to us. Real ales are a lot more difficult to control compared 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 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."
What is CaskForce?
Thousands of licensees have benefited from Marston's CaskForce scheme, which is now in its third year.
It gives hosts the chance to improve their cask-ale offering through professional advice and cellar training from Marston's experts, helping them to achieve the BIIAB-approved Award in Beer & Cellar Quality (ABCQ).
THREE CHANCES TO WIN: THE ROUTE TO GETTING YOUR RENT PAID FOR A YEAR
Stage one: the BIIAB Award in Beer & Cellar Quality (ABCQ)
Apply online or ring the hotline for a chance to be chosen for the unique in-cellar training for licensees and pub staff.
From January to August we are sending our team of beer-quality experts to pubs around the country to deliver the nationally-recognised ABCQ.
A monthly draw will pick 20 pubs to go forward for the free training course. Another 360 pubs will be nominated by Marston's freetrade and national sales teams.
In order to qualify for this, you need to be eligible to stock any beer from the Marston's beer portfolio.
All qualified CaskForce members from previous years that have not been drawn will have automatic entry.
Stage two: Cask Marque accreditation
Once you've got your ABCQ under your belt, you automatically go through to a draw to be in with a chance to win the respected Cask Marque quality accreditation.
Each month 20 pubs are picked from a draw and given the chance to gain the Cask Marque accreditation, or have their annual fee paid for a year.
To qualify, you need to have achieved the ABCQ, or already hold the Cask Marque accreditation.
Stage three: new this year - the BBPA Gold Award
Each month 10 pubs with Cask Marque accreditation are picked from a draw and given the chance to receive the Beautiful Beer Gold Award and £500 to invest in pub improvements.
One of these elite pubs every month will then go through to the grand final, with the chance to win their rent paid for a year (or the freetrade equivalent).
Join our hall of fame
To win free ABCQ training in your pub go to www.caskforce.co.uk or call 0800 028 1969.
Pubs will be drawn each month on the dates shown below to receive the ABCQ training and will be notified by telephone.
A suitable date will be arranged for the training to take place at your convenience.
For the chance to win £500 towards pub improvements or the ultimate prize
of having your rent paid for one year, again, go to www.caskforce.co.uk or call 0800 028 1969.
Draw dates
11 March, 8 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July.
