The Coachmakers Arms in Wallingford has won the top prize in the Best Kept Cellar competition organised by Henley pub operator and brewer Brakspear.
Licensees Tony & Tina Ginn win a unique prize for their pub – a ‘house beer’, which they have named ‘The Cat’s Whiskers’, after locals’ affectionate name for the pub of ‘The Cat’, an abbreviation of Coachmakers Arms Tavern. The 3.8% ale has now gone on sale and is proving a popular brew.
All Brakspear’s 129 pubs were initially considered for the Best Kept Cellar competition. Four finalists were then judged by Roger Clayson of Cask Marque. On a thorough visit of each pub, Clayson checked cellar cleanliness, stock rotation, line cleaning and glass washing – all factors that have an impact on the quality of beer served across the bar. The Coachmakers Arms came top with an impressive score of 96%.
Tony Ginn said, “We’re delighted to win this award, and it’s great to have a beer that’s unique to our pub. I’ve always put in the time and effort in the cellar to maintain top quality ale, it’s important to offer customers a consistently good pint.”
Clayson added, “It was a pleasure to visit the Coachmakers, where the team are both knowledgeable and passionate about serving their beers in optimum condition. Tony & Tina thoroughly deserve this award.”
Caption to attached image (l-r): Tony & Tina Ginn of the Coachmakers Arms with Cask Marque’s Roger Clayson
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Issued on behalf of: Brakspear
Further information: Ros Shiel/ ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137