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13th January 2014

BII teams up with the Beer Academy to find the “2014 Beer Sommelier of the Year”

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) is teaming up with the Beer Academy to find the 2014 Beer Sommelier of the Year.  The award will be presented at the BII’s Annual Lunch which is held on 13th May at the Grosvenor House Park Lane. The wining Sommelier will receive a cash prize of £1000 and will be invited to introduce the beers at the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s Annual Dinner held in Westminster in July. The Runner up will receive £500.

Applicants must be accredited Beer Academy Sommeliers and applications must be received by the BII by 31st January 2014.  A shortlist of candidates will be drawn up for stage two, which will see candidates interviewed by a panel of experts chaired by BII Director, Caroline Nodder.

BII Chief Executive Tim Hulme said “Pubs that succeed offer customers something that they can’t find at home. The BII’s mission is to equip licensees with the skills to do just that”. 

“Beer is by far the most popular drink chosen in pubs, making up 55% of all alcohol sales, so getting it right is critical to a pub’s success.  This partnership with the Beer Academy will help BII members see how to maximise the opportunity from beer. ”

Alastair Scott, Beer Academy Development Director, landlord, Beer Sommelier and member of the judging panel said “When I think of great pubs, I invariably remember great beers alongside great food and great hospitality. We want to highlight those that have demonstrated both knowledge and passion in developing beer’s profile in the licensed hospitality sector, whether they be a licensee that runs a beer shrine, and pub that matches beer with food, or a pub that simply talks about their beer. In addition we would also welcome applicants who have inspired  licensees with new ideas on how to make beer special.”

 

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

 

Notes for Editors

 The BII 2014 Sommelier of the Year Award is open to all accredited Beer Academy Sommeliers.  Applications must be received no later than 31st January 2014 and should outline in no more than 500 words the candidate’s role in developing beer’s profile within the licensed hospitality sector.   Details on how to apply can be found on the BII website http://www.bii.org/events/awards/beersommelier The judging panel will be Caroline Nodder (BII Director), Alastair Scott (Beer Academy Development Director) and Mark Dorber (Licensee, respected beer expert and Honorary Beer Academy Beer Sommelier)

 

 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 its highest award – the  Sommelier Qualification.  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