Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The Beer Academy has just accredited its 50th Sommelier. Three passionate beer advocates, Jonny Tyson, Lisa Wadlow and John Westlake, passed their viva voce examination with Beer Academy Chief Examiner Alex Barlow to take the number of Beer Academy Sommeliers to 50. Beer Academy Director Simon Jackson said “It was just over three years that the first four Beer Academy Sommeliers received their stripes in late 2011. Now 50 people have been accredited and the next two assessment sessions are already sold out. This qualification has really caught the imagination of beer lovers not only in the UK but around the world. "The most striking thing about the Beer Academy Sommeliers is not just their fascination with all things beer but their sheer diversity. We have brewers both large and small, pub landlords, professional beer tasters, beer writers and people from outside the industry who just love beer. What they share is an encyclopaedic knowledge of beer - and a passion to spr...

The Beer Academy has appointed pub retailing expert and Beer Academy Sommelier, Alastair Scott, as Development Director to spearhead the next phase of the organisation’s growth. Beer Academy Director Simon Jackson said “The past three years have seen some great success for the Beer Academy. There are now over 40 Beer Academy Sommeliers and August set a monthly record number of course applications since the Academy was created ten years ago. “Our mission is to educate, enlighten and enthuse people about beer. The launch of recent campaigns like “Let there be beer” and “Its better down the pub” show that more and more people share this ambition. The time is ripe for the Beer Academy to step change its impact and revolutionise the way that people look at beer.” Beer Academy Development Director, Alastair Scott said “My interest in beer and pubs was first sparked when I became a bar manager at University. This spurred me to join Bass when I graduated and I have worked in the sector e...

A summer season of beer tastings kicks off at the White Horse at Parsons Green (London SW6 4UL) in April. Each of these monthly 90 minute sessions is hosted by a Beer Academy Sommelier who will explore a different aspect of the fascinating world of beer. 23rd April St George’s Day Beers Peter Haydon 21st May Beer and Cheese Nigel Sadler with Nigel White from the British Cheese Board. 11th June Love London Beers Debbie Parker 6th August Hallelujah to Hops Debbie Parker 8th October Old World vs. New World Beers Steve Livens Beer Academy Director Simon Jackson said “The Beer Academy’s role is to enlighten, educate and enthuse people about beer. These short courses are all about the enthusing part. There is no exam; just a fun evening discovering more about one aspect of beer with a leading expert. And the chance to sample a range of magnificent beers. For most people it will just be a great night out. But for others, it can be the first step to more advanced courses and formal recog...

Beer Academy Sommelier, Jane Peyton, has trained the staff of the newly launched Bosphorus Brewing Company in Istanbul on the merits of matching beer and food. The Bosphorus Brewing Company is Istanbul's first brew pub and opened in November 2012. It is owned and run by Britons Phil and Jill Hall both long time Istanbul residents. Jane trained bar staff and the chef in how to match the pub's menu with beer, how to appreciate and identify the styles and flavours of a variety of styles of beer. She said “Pilsner lagers are by far the most popular brands in Turkey and few people have had the chance to sample different beer styles. Phil and Jill brew a whole range of beers from easy drinking blond ale to a chocolaty stout. A fantastic canvas to show people that beer doesn’t all taste the same – and start them on a voyage of discovery to find out more." Head brewer Phil said “Our customers are mainly ex Pats who work in Istanbul or locals who have developed a taste for b...