Robinsons introduce ‘best of glass’ quality scheme

The brewer, which owns 260 tenanted and managed pub sites, hopes the scheme will help to reduce waste, maximise yields and sales, raise pub cellar standards, and recognise and reward licensees for their hard work maintaining beer quality.

The scheme will combine the brewer’s annual beer quality audit, Cask Marque audits, training records and Vianet data on line cleaning, yield and cellar temperature.

From this, Robinsons’ licensees will be able to have a full picture of the beer quality and take action to optimise beer quality.

Checks are weighted heavily towards factors that impact beer volume, such as line cleaning, cellar temperature, product quality and filter pans.

Training schemes

It includes four training schemes to ensure licensees and staff are informed on how to best store and serve beer.

Robinsons trade quality brewer Allen Bellamy said: “At Robinsons we’re fully committed to great beer quality. We know how important it is to cask drinkers – in fact to all drinkers, and we know that every pint has to be as perfect as the last.

“That’s why, we invested in one of the UK’s best breweries, employ an entire team of beer testers, run monthly beer quality training, and have a brilliant technical services team.”

He added: “When our beer arrives in a pub’s cellar, it’s in immaculate condition, ready for our licensees to pour the perfect pint.

“The last vital part of the brewing process is in the pub itself and there’s a very strong link between the condition that a cellar is kept in and the quality of actual beer in the glass, so making sure our licensees properly look after the beer and keep it in tip top condition is key.”

'Happy customers'

Robinsons marketing director David Bremner pointed out that better beer storage leads to better sales.

“Great quality beer leads to profitable pints and happy customers who are more likely to return,” he said. “Just a 1% increase in sales is worth around £2,500 to the average pub, so improving beer quality is a no-brainer!

“As a family business, we’re here to give our licensees the support and knowledge they need to succeed.

“Best in Glass helps them store and serve beer in the best possible condition and, as a result, sell more of it.”