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9th May 2013

Beer Academy Sommelier draws a Blanc at Le Manoir

Raymond Blanc with Steve Livens.jpgBeer Academy Sommelier Steve Livens was invited to promote British beer to an audience of British and international chefs at Raymond Blanc’s ‘Best of British’ event held yesterday at the Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford.  Steve is a senior policy advisor working for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). 

 The event’s key focus was to introduce global chefs to British produce, with beer being one of the highlights of the event. The chefs were talked through the range of styles and strengths of beers, explaining how beers can be used as an accompaniment to food in ways not previously considered by the elite culinary audience. Celebrity chefs Patrick Bertron of the three Michelin-starred Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, Michael Caines MBE of the two Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park, two-starred Michelin chef Patrick Henriroux of La Pyramide and Claude Bosi of the two-Michelin-starred Hibiscus, all showed a special interest in the beer on offer.

 Commenting on the event Beer Sommelier Steve Livens, said “This was a great opportunity to show how well British beer matches fine cuisine. With a captive audience of some of the best chefs in the world all in one room, this event can only build the reputation of our beers.  That Raymond Blanc is such a champion of British beer shows us that beer has a place at the best tables in the land – and the range of beers available makes it perfect for any meal.”

 

 Ends

 

Photograph – Steve Livens, Beer Academy Sommelier, with chef Raymond Blanc.

 

For further information contact Paul.k.hegarty@googlemail.comor +44 (0 )7808 096250

 

Notes for Editors

Stephen Livens is responsible for the  British Beer and Pub Association’s scientific, technical and supply chain activities in support of its members including; food safety for brewing and pubs, product assurance, labelling and raw materials and ingredients. One of Stephen’s main priorities is promoting the provenance of the ingredients used for brewing as well as the creativity and quality associated with the UK brewing industry in addition to driving  the BBPA’s beer and wholesomeness agenda. Stephen is an industrial microbiologist with over 20 years  experience in the  brewing industry.

The Beer Academy is an educational body that was founded by a small group of beer enthusiasts in 2003 to help people understand, appreciate and enjoy beer sensibly.  To date over 10,000 people have attended Beer Academy courses and tasting events such as the BBC Good Food Show, the Great British Beer Festival and the British Museum as well as in pubs and bars up and down the country. The Academy offers a range of courses and qualifications ranging from a 90 minute tutored introduction to beer through to the two day Advanced Course for serious beer connoisseurs.  Full details of all Beer Academy Courses and events can be found www.beeracademy.co.uk   or follow us on Twitter @TheBeerAcademyand Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Beer-Academy/411889238846208