MacsNews Summer 2015

“In research, 47% of guests said the pub is an important part of the British way of life – very welcome news” Heydon Mizon, page 3McMULLEN NEWS SUMMER EDITION 2015THIS SEASON’S NEW LOOKSMARVELLOUS MAKEOVERSQUEEN VICTORIA AND MILLSTREAM REVAMPS SET THE TONE FOR SUMMERALSO IN THIS ISSUEPUB GARDENS IN FOCUS FOOD AND DRINK NEWS MEET THE MANAGERS

CONTENTSSUMMER 2015 84-5 PUB NEWSFeast your eyes on the new-lookMillstream and Queen Victoria6-7 MANAGED PUBSNew Macs managers – and catch up on thelatest achievements of the Prince George8-9 TRAININGRecent award winners, days out and traininginitiatives, plus Team Member of the Year latest10-12 TENANTED PUBSFocus on pub gardens – the investments, innovationsand added value – and other tenant news13 DRINKS 10New drinks lines and some fun facts on beeras we celebrate International Beer Day14-15 FOODLee Brooks applauds the progress of Top Chefsand Fish Chefs of the Year, and it’s not too early to lookahead to Christmas menus16-17 CHARITY FUNDRAISINGSterling efforts all round, as Macs pubs keep on raisingmoney for good causes18-19 TAP ROOM 19Tracey Lee, our very own chair at Harlow Rugby Club;pop-up bars; annual five-a-side tournament; and afond farewell to Joan BunyanMcMullen & Sons, Limited, 26 Old Cross, Hertford SG14 1RDTel: 01992 584911 Web: www.mcmullens.co.uk Like us on Facebook.com/McMullens1827 Tweet or Instagram @McMullens1827 Watch us on Vimeo.com/McMullens1827Editor: Andrew Pring Production: Kate WhealKeep us informed of your news – contact Andrew Pring on 01732 463589

3 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / MANAGEMENT COMMENTTHE ONLY THING THAT’SCONSTANT IS CHANGERETAIL DIRECTOR HEYDON MIZON DISCUSSES THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF PUBS’ FOOD OFFERAt this time of year we are busy with and Apple Pay. We have also focusedsummer trading, preparing to release on ensuring that we have the correctChristmas plans and finalising our staffing levels at peak times, so that ouractivity for 2016 and 2017. It is a time to guests are not kept waiting, and we willpause for reflection and I thought some investigate kitchen screen technologyresearch was worth sharing too. this year.The recent re-opening of the Millstream Heart-warmingly, 47% of guests statedin Hitchin and our other new that the pub is an important part of thedevelopments have emphasised how British way of life, and for us, as a familyimportant food has become, both to our brewer operating in our heartland, this isguests and to McMullen. very welcome news.It was in 2007 that we began measuring “OUR PASSION Our passion for our beer remains strong;the number of main meals we sold each FOR OUR BEER we simply now bring the same level ofweek. At that time, we had one, maybe REMAINS STRONG; dedication, training and focus to ourtwo, sites that consistently served 1,000 WE SIMPLY food and thankfully the results havemeals on a busy week. The Millstream NOW BRING THE been just as positive.has just reopened and joins 25 other SAME LEVEL OFpubs serving more than 1,000 meals DEDICATION, That McMullen has developed thislast week. In fact, we now serve more TRAINING AND well is testament to our outstandingthan 48,000 per week, with some sites FOCUS TO OUR people. With this in mind, my favouriteserving 3,000 meals at times. FOOD” day of the year approaches – the McMullen Awards Day at Newmarket.While beer, and McMullen ales in The same research revealed that 30% of This is a chance to get together andparticular, will always be important, our guests said that décor was an important celebrate the very best performancesteams are increasingly embracing the factor in encouraging them to visit the of the year. I believe we say thank youneed to be passionate about great food. pub. Good: our developments continue regularly, but there is nothing better than to look, we like to think, inspiring. doing it with an award in front of theResearch tells us that 54% of people entire company.say high-quality food encourages them Additionally, 26% of guests said thatto visit pubs more often. This is why faster service is crucial to them, so This year, more people than ever will beour training programme has evolved we have replaced our card payment present at the event, including all ourto deliver food-focused training and system. By the time you read this, we General Managers, the best performingdevelopment, alongside our more will be rolling out contactless payment Kitchen Managers, Chefs and front-traditional training. of-house teams – and hopefully some sunshine too. We still have a lot moreWe are trialling a Silver Kitchen we can improve, but sometimes a shortManagement Programme and are about moment of reflection on the things weto trial a Gold level training programme do well is a good thing.for chefs too. Our small (but perfectlyformed!) food development team, Please continue to look after our guestsalongside some key Chefs and Kitchen well. Remember to hold me and theManagers, is the driving force behind business to account if we get thingsour food sales growth, adding more than wrong or when we need to improve.£8m in food sales per annum to And thank you for all that you do.McMullen’s food sales. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

4McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / PUB NEWS SIZZLING SUMMER LOOKS AN EARLY LOOK AT TWO EYE-CATCHING MACS REVAMPS THAT WILL PERK UP THE SEASON: THE MILLSTREAM AND THE QUEEN VICTORIA Millstream, Hitchin Following a period of closure for major redevelopment, the Millstream, Hitchin, is up and running as a Chicken & Grill – the company’s 11th. Or as Area Manager Matt Cotter puts it, “the latest member of the Chicken & Grill family has hatched!”. He adds: “The Millstream opened amid a local frenzy (isn’t social media amazing!) on Monday 13 July following two weeks of intensive training. The team – expertly and carefully selected by new General Manager Mark Kretay – grew in confidence as the training progressed and were bursting with product knowledge and excitement as opening day finally arrived.” Matt says it’s made him very proud to be part of such an amazing team of people. “Mark and the team at the Millstream have worked hard at getting everything in place and the training support team is invaluable in guiding the new teams through a daunting pub opening,” he says. “The professionalism, personality and pride that I witness in these people really is inspiring – so a huge thank you from me and Mark to all those that assisted with the training.” Matt pays special tribute to the following team members: • Scott Rutterford-Byrne • Charlotte Chadwick • Olie Shinn • Kat Cierzynski • Jody Sansom • Jamie Tidball • Karen Jordan • Chloe Henderson • Phil Ritter • Laura Jay • Lisa Quigley. For Mark, who’s been GM at the Jolly Fisherman, Stanstead Abbotts, for the past four years, this is a bit of a homecoming – the Millstream used to be his local when he was a young man. It’s changed a bit since then, hasn’t it Mark!

5 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / MANAGEMENT COMMENTQueen Victoria, Theydon BoisThe Queen Victoria at Theydon Bois has just been througha striking redevelopment that’s delighted guests and thrilledGeneral Manager Julia Dubois and her team.“We’re located on the edge of Epping Forest, and thedevelopment has been in keeping with the character of thearea,” says Julia. “So we’ve got lots of beautiful reclaimed timberand new oak floors, and some log fires.“It’s been so well done, and has made such a difference – all ourguests have been very impressed by the changes. We’ve hadsome brilliant reactions, from regulars and lots of new people.”The redevelopment, which saw the Queen Victoria beingclosed for three months, has created two new dining areas andadded another 50 covers.Julia has also recruited a new Head Chef, Stuart Dye, who aimsto lead the six-strong kitchen team and take full advantage ofthe new food opportunities.

6 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / MANAGED PUBSWHO’S TAKEN THE REINS?WE MEET LOTS OF NEW MACS MANAGERS, AND IT’S BEEN A GREAT YEAR FOR THE PRINCE GEORGE “IT’S GOOD TO WORK WITH ED AGAIN AND I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO A FRESH CHALLENGE”Ian Gill and Katie Golding Cath Yule James LeePlough, Enfield Bull at Broxbourne North Star, WelwynIan Gill and Katie Golding have just Cath Yule is the new Manager at the James Lee has been promoted to becometaken over at the Plough, following Bull at Broxbourne. A recent addition to General Manager at the North Star,the retirement of previous Managers the company, Cath brings years of pub Welwyn – his first GM position.Mike and Lou Callighan. and hotel management experience to the job, gained at national companies, He joined Macs three years ago, startingIan, who’s been with Macs for seven most recently in the Midlands. She says as Assistant Manager at the Jolly Farmers,years, moves from the Bull at Broxbourne, she is relishing her new opportunity at Enfield, before moving to the Sun Inn,where he was Manager for four years with the busy local. Nazeing, and then on to the Princehis partner Katie. He spent three years George, Milton Keynes, where he was abefore that in charge of the Sun Cath was recruited by Area Manager key member of the opening team.at Hoddesdon. Ed Bunnett, who worked with her at two of her previous employers. James’s progression maintains“We had four fantastic years at the Bull,” McMullen’s internal general managementsays Ian, “and Katie and I would like to “It’s good to work with Ed again and appointment rate at nearly 50% – thethank all the team we’ve worked with I’m really looking forward to a fresh company really does like to rewardand all our guests. We loved every challenge,” she says. home-grown talent.minute of it and will take some greatmemories with us. Joining her at the Bull is her new Assistant Manager, Gareth Evans, who“But we’ve some interesting development worked for Cath at her last pub.plans for the Plough and I’m thrilled to begiven this exciting new opportunity.”

7 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / MANAGED PUBS Victoria, Jez and Kerry receive their award from the sponsorPrizes for Prince GeorgeThe Prince George, Milton Keynes, hastaken top prize in the Best Newcomerof the Year category at this year’s MiltonKeynes Food & Leisure Awards. And tocap a fantastic night for the George, one ofits team, Victoria Strode, was named BestWaitress of the Year too.General Managers Jez Bates and Kerry the best restaurants, pubs, hotels, chefs value for money, long-term plans andHancock were thrilled to receive the and destinations in the city. charitable goals”.award, which was voted for online bydiners-out and drinkers in and around The George was up against seven other The Best Waitress/Waiter award wasMilton Keynes. “It’s a fantastic result for shortlisted businesses, some of them decided by a mystery visitor, whous all,” said Jez. “And really well done to local branches of well-known national was looking for “a pucka personality,Victoria too, and also to another team chains. Voters were invited to select exceeding expectations, happy and goodmember, Ben Parker, who was shortlisted their favourite on the basis of “thoughtful sense of humour, politeness, promptness,for Best Waiter.” decor and design, creativeness, a varied taking ownership of situations and fun”. food choice, originality, super service, Well done to the George!The awards are supported by MKFM andthe Milton Keynes Citizen and celebrate UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT First-time GMs: Congratulations to the following new • David Aitken, Cricketers, Enfield(above) Jon Over, appointments and site moves among our • Matt Reed, Orange Tree, HitchinJolly Fisherman, pub and bar management teams: • Dan Wallace, Millstream, Hitchin General Managers • Mohammed Elameay, Sun, Hoddesdon Stanstead • Jon Over, Jolly Fisherman, Stanstead Assistant Managers Abbotts Abbotts – first GM appointment • Cliohdna Murphy, Nag’s Head, Covent • Jonathan Park, Volunteer, Waltham Garden and (right) Abbey – first GM appointment • Carly Brown, Millstream, Hitchin Jonathan Park, • Oliver Shinn, Baroosh Cambridge • Ian Banders, Millstream, Hitchin • Vicky Tarbin, Baroosh Hertford • David Tregoning, Peahen, St Albans the Volunteer, • Natalie Scripps, Baroosh Marlow • Chris Gregg, Baroosh Cambridge Waltham Abbey • Steven Whittaker, Baroosh Chelmsford • Belinda Paing, Nag’s Head Bishop’s Kitchen Managers Stortford • Dumitrui Borceaunu, Kingfisher on • Kelly Moth, Kingfisher on The Quay, The Quay, Camberley Camberley • Robert Porter, White Horse, Bourne End • Jay Scarborough, White Horse, Bourne • Mohammed Boumediene, Builders End Arms, Potters Bar • Natasha Bostock-Smith, Orange Tree, • Ross Stannard, Baroosh Bishop’s Hitchin Stortford • Kayleigh Lloyd, Hollybush, Loughton • Seweryn Szostak, Baroosh Cambridge • Courtni Cheeseman, Queen Victoria, • Ryan Garrod, Angels, Hitchin Theydon Bois • Matthew Nicolls , Peahen, St Albans • Relief Manager Malcolm Richardson has also joined Peter Wood’s area. For future career opportunities within McMullen, visit our website for the latest vacancies at www.mcmullens.co.uk

8McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TRAININGTHERE’S BEEN NO SHORTAGE OF REWARDS FOR HARD-WORKING TEAM MEMBERS THIS SUMMERTEAM MEMBER OF THE YEARWow – what an event for Team Member • Elizabeth Wills-Braddock,of the Year 2015! The sun was shining for Baroosh Chelmsfordthis year’s star event in London. • Ashleigh Green, Crusader, Roydon • Iona Smith, Angels, HitchinA total of 60 team members competed • Ben Hutchinson, Heron on thein a task-based event around the Lake, Fleetcapital, involving pedalo races on the • Sean Higgins, Prince George,Serpentine, school games in Green Park, Milton Keynespuzzle-solving at Victoria Embankment • Robert Kenny, Jolly Fisherman,Gardens and a round of Pointless at Stanstead AbbottsLincoln’s Inn Fields. • Victoria Harding, Shark, Harlow • William Bailey, Volunteer,The standard of team members Waltham Abbeyentering this year was, yet again, • Grace Campbell, Woolpack,amazingly high – making the decision Hertfordon who made it into the final few a • Rex Cole, Hopfields, Hatfieldchallenging task. However, the decision • Beth Fawthrope, Jolly Farmers,was made, with our finalists being: Enfield• Stacy Gilbert, Nag’s Head, Bishop’s Each finalist will receive a mystery visit in Stortford the next few months. The winner will be announced at the Newmarket Company• Jazmin Gammon, Kingfisher on the Conference in October. Good luck to all! Quay, CamberleyTrainingpartnershipwith HITHIT Training, ourapprenticeshipand NVQ trainingprovider, has visitedmost of our sites todiscuss the vocationalqualifications they can provide. So far 60 people have signed up to qualificationsranging from Functional Skills in Maths and English to the Level 4 Diploma inHospitality Management.There is a lot of commitment required when signing up for a course, withadditional study both in work and in the learner’s own time. Please consider thiswhen deciding if doing a qualification is right for you. If you have any questionsabout the study time necessary, HIT can talk you through this before enrolment.HIT can also advertise apprenticeship positions for us on the NationalApprenticeship website. If you are looking to employ an apprentice who wants towork in this industry, please let HIT know.• For details on completing a qualification at work, contact Amanda Pickford (Training and Recruitment Manager) at [email protected]

9McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TRAINING FRONT OF HOUSE SILVER SIGN-OFF A huge round of congratulations to the latest cohort of team members who have completed their Front of House Silver Award. It’s been a tremendous year for training, with 20 team members completing their Silver Award. It’s great to see our people learning and developing their skills within the company.Managed Retail Team November teamMember Benefits • Claire Ealden, Bullfinch, Sevenoaks • Amanda Mather, Maltsters, CheshuntWe’re pleased to announce • Jay Scarborough, White Horse,improvements in our team benefitsscheme, which started in July: Bourne End • Jasmine Pearson, Baroosh• A new benefit entitles every team member working a shift of more Chelmsford than six hours to a 50 % discounted • Kim Finnane, Queens Head, meal from the pub menu while on their break. The discount applies to Waltham Abbey up to two courses and must be paid • Susan Jones, Crown, Waltham Abbey for at the time of purchase. • Ben Phillips, Mops and Brooms,• There’s been an improvement in Borehamwood our current staff discount card. • Danielle Fitzpatrick, Millstream, This card will be sent to all new team members once they have Hitchin completed their Bronze Award, and now entitles the card holder to 25% April team off food purchased in any managed • Grace Campbell, Woolpack, Hertford house while on their days off – for • David Tregoning, Peahen, St Albans up to six people. • Jade Chatman, Orange Tree, HitchinFull terms and conditions can be found July teamin house – or please ask your Manager. • Natalie Hunter, Millstream, HitchinAnd do let us know what you think of • Ian Rushton, Salisbury Arms, Hertfordthese changes on Macs Chat! • Ashleigh Green, Crusader, Roydon • Craig Statham, Millstream, Hitchin • Jackie Vanderhyde, Woolpack, Hertford • George Meller, Baroosh Marlow • Courtni Cheeseman, Queen Victoria, Theydon Bois • Hayley Tuohy, Bullfinch, Sevenoaks • Lucia Carloss, Jolly Fisherman, Stanstead AbbottsASSISTANTS’ DAY OUTTowards the end of April, we hosted the annualAssistants’ Day, giving us an opportunity to thankour key Supervisors and Assistant Managers forall their hard work with a fun day out.There were a few wide eyes from regulars atthe Spice of Life at London’s Cambridge Circusas a gaggle of Pink Ladies and T-Birds gatheredthere for drinks before racing down to the PrinceCharles Cinema to watch Sing-a-Long Grease.It must be said, however, everyone was in veryfine voice!

10McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TENANTED PUBSDOWN THEGARDENPATHWe’re always keen at McMullen to help our swalhtEoJodeslmiiavnonuem’rvtevdeecameteickrsdhbtkldm,rcyero–teoehohyeaVasananeunrtaimieecrbrtdgn.hstpw”ttae,dohTeaarura“hridaWwnJshcpspioatieedyhrmueeas,oncowW’bsllnuvwoiouihHgedsshauaoihiceenenrrlankMdtaedemndngl,ntay,cwdlthJmttyel’oMthhoilieixysmtsgigleeuachndberboygelgoaeegoblurpatecunsueeoiwzrnot,tndneediztSfomohd?hrircewonrnoeyetJneluugadimaulfVcnpt,tibleesshhhladielyttHclerneeshdoenotntsnoeersooliupeidfnldarckeroeguyeioeaexnfoahhlsocnaclm,gt.ehortd,tdeWahrowraod,p,eraegnvawdnaat.teireeTypeetsohethwdnuhshsntestro,been.t”aciioImprsnmcuatt.asshru“ntseIy,eopste’sdstmsostehtohrseosmJdiiiuaeImknimsmtewnneightnbere,waEtesglranhenasighnraatseaednttttdcytenants and POA operators make the most of their DPTbocdtTuathhaavhomhrvhcconeeameeikokewlrddWysiee,ndeMm’sigMrrtnatahoeoihhaadyrgiatyswlhtergideisateonnebhsotdpHrpouaemtloltohwaimnanhnctereykiskgtDmasneashhonfayneoerofaavdeewrrdhnsli.aaiidsAdadtao’rbsi’sp,maMnfleStwoypgAhdnaaivoeyleuwrcdaseinaygnghordelhdyuugecseoiytesuoGsbkrc’st”eshuceiko.sgtpac“nolsdsWadlerg,udlyafomyasrsesnsvwsere’ewvaddDiyce,anene,ecaopsigtynlvitlmhaln,ipw.,miwww”revdaetoenri.ibWitttt“tuseihhhhWintchlreedtmcgueiShdtsh’blrveaaeuaoiaereltrHmgdpaulbabyrharerimeeertersbGaenetietuan,tanorrwnwseltdbyhwdhehef,aeseraosainernlantgeiylkhntdoadfetteverohodrre.uoeerkn properties, writes Gavin Mansfield, Tenants Operations Manager. And with summer hopefully a great time for guests to enjoy al fresco eating and drinking, we’ve been focusing our attention on creating some eye-catching, appealing gardens and outdoor areas. On the next three pages you’ll see pubgardens that have benefited from investment, someof it with our tenants and POA operators, in newmarquees, planting, shelters and outdoor serveryareas, as well as children’s play equipment.These investments should allow everyone to takeadvantage of warmer weather and attract newcustomers to their pubs. We always say to ourlicensees that the shop windows of their pubs arevital to attracting people in to the businesses. A welltended, clean, presentable and colourful pub is vitalin persuading people to linger longer. The gardensand outdoor spaces should always try to minimiseany concrete and asphalt, and use colours thatcreate a cooler and more natural feel.Well kept flowers and baskets have helped volumesin our pubs improve over the past two years. We liketo acknowledge that in our annual Tenancy Basketand Gardens competition, which carries with it a£1,000 prize. As McMullen News went to press, Salesand Production Director Fergus McMullen wasdoing the rounds judging for the award. The nextissue of Macs News will feature the winner.

11McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TENANTED PUBS“THE PUB GARDEN BEFOREIS KEEPING PEOPLECOMING HERE WHEN THE At the Sibthorpe Arms, Hatfield, General Manager Kevin CoyneWEATHER’S GOOD” has shown what can be done with some astroturf and a bit of hard work and imagination. AFTEREAgbffScolaaoasuslcnorowswraronuraaegsodetuawymtdpihuaRroscwnehrosltyeerhoibwtneleesttkyyEenswseuhrtseaiastaaulhiftlsrtslglundtirrhraherffi,khhepd,ondmfa.ayaereMaaeta“,rges,ntMe.wecmwrt2ohaScttandexthohea5lofMneeeetileipc’etsoelvaeywnridhpuseotGntoereGt’ehhstldttosokdlaMlhghltoeaaekGofertecoeaitinberishMbnddldoktt’wsopeeeaefgematpcttopb,guyhnashhfCMCwloreiopbesdaunneeohof’riehunasjyipeghrudfvidtttotlecn’e.dTweilpssie.C“selno”cdntW,ereamoEynopofucieaeoogpneeldi,tarydrelnappoetAet,aaiiekheyiwnc,gladlwr,ndaeannteaoswtabhviisreuy.eerctnsltstMehdooeidwosasotwobtc’.oovhrmohhittvLtoek’weohkseeHhraaeienfirwceooocsenelrrbicfoehtuhnorrubgitachwrnneurananlleerchhaayogstsuasfnktgtisndeecieyi2nbhlt,uricgersaehddp0tmeeehonefodleeouE,eanespipsindtrtlntarrs.uulhmsteiogarhnbbeeaReesa,”d.owthleey and tsahTmogsTeFhatbahmrihrasnadeesndsaeSyeukgmnulcoevm,niaraenMmnnJasto.uotdmeHhNntriioantantr’wskhazeBeoeeczlelniqyafinau,u’tevrtglfeheeltoihtuesmrssasta,Saataefnunolrkoiontoeciefnt,tehdttbNvnhheaehaeserlnzeilvMrwseteiienaivaiFnrdngecyrgedsaonbnspuceepkurwtsaiosbctcprkuMbeeoesvlsureteetatbssoninsnaefuedteqisdenlrultesiwoeitaapvriglnetmleuhydareemyaehsnnbwit!tssjiosaguyy.ch

12 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TENANTED PUBSRICKY HARDING ANDYVETTE WHEELER, DOGAND WHISTLE, HERTFORDRicky Harding and Yvette Wheeler,licensees at the Dog and Whistle,Hertford since November 2013, aregetting bigger and bigger on themusic front. The DJs they get in aretop names – Craig Charles and HueyMorgan of the Fun Loving Criminalsare two who’ve recently guested– and they attracted 1,500 peoplethroughout the day for their MagicalMystery Tour event. NNhgipigeMagfreto’rseroooaldo6rlphdyvBHpeas0talabuehrtnaseben0aoderctenradlgiawtftaopsannoote.nnoeoNetnkiurgddhnvdrkom,rithgheegeRwssppaoeiraioaapiladsisbelslttncnrieeeidhfadtthnrioreineerrebamftegtnbseaechysahrteSccer.ieeraoedbMcuht,N.afrnmeeauWsnncfaoiedneeien,MatdeferxtdHatjettlAotfoummdliheiivnibturtelsmese’closagerg,,etrhefwrwrieguafnoyvqeofierksnauhuaurhdtneftslorhre.eeeaebrShb’dsaevynlermptuiwn.aaejcsiaToveyzteanrcibeydahztsunlodhed.illienhntnvPewolhMlbyegiglorntmueo.hertcfEa“esenAsalOeMnnisdstduonuonRhdgtuefteogiuleivitlniarudsfulthrra:ueinecserhwnuellnwtdecdigwpgeMbs,’os2eaaSntaalvs0orfbroiutsnimtaednuncssnldkareo,adoteyteensShcloosawv,iEuba,”toynnwdesnla,enlciartwoanglhddehyylll,deeieaaeoi2scsvyyssnh0hNh.eea1in2gdel.TENANCY OPPORTUNITIES vaftaeroofpcatdorTfAuomy6ttuohehubplwdcieneensmko,.etWtWstApaphr.lelCyileo,ehhrri”srhvnshiiBdattteiiadeeetrlnedtoia,stHgsrHwrrmitanae’2oisoyhnnngl0rraesiass.d0cg.lyBeteo“hri,wWu,coevmtasohseneienfiyuvemte’tpvdseshaWAeuethroelsnlbbnhahngyoetnpaciaeSftndaopooreaudminarhyrlHneyetaersedhonovuaiosaneruerntfsyionpnoaonersouadtn,nybto,Bsnhlepbydytuieaatteetarsharuhrcayneteotfrar.i’heiseBcwufgWwaueularsinmovrlhelypabgweieionrutaeGalmetfyrcbthrrdihHuesstutees.eheeows“naenIesirstccixsui’taschnehcfrmlrgeieuyaoimotlmeamnlslieonbaldoesnvrig3eowrn.te”,prgblnmyigKnow anyone interested intaking on one of our pubs? Doask them to get in touch – it mayprove a nice little earner. SaysTenants Operations ManagerGavin Mansfield: “I’d like toremind all those loyal Macscustomers and managers aboutour finder’s fee scheme. We paya reward fee of £1,000 in cash foranyone finding us a great tenantor POA operator. And off theback of our current success, we’dlike to speak to people aboutsome excellent opportunities wehave for bright, entrepreneurialbusiness people.”• Gavin can be contacted at McMullen’s Hertford head office on 01992 584911 or his mobile 07779 992540

13McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / DRINKS INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY No matter whether you’re a lager lover or a real ale enthusiast, there is no excuse not to raise a glass of your favourite pint to International Beer Day.IN WITH THE NEW On Friday 7 August take part in the world celebration at your local Macs pub. This day is the perfect opportunity for you to show your appreciation to Chris Evans, who brews McMullen Real Ale, and to the breweries who make the fantastic beer we stock from all over the world. Perfect for an afternoon drink in one of our beer gardens.Summertime has seen the introduction There’s been a 49% sales increase McMullen stocksof new draught and bottled products, in premium gins over the 48 beers foras well as more gins making their past two years, according participatingway onto most of our back to a CGA Strategy report. pubs and bars,bars (above). These lovely And Commercial Director from 15 differentadditions to our drinks Steven Gill has plans to countriesportfolio include: make world and small-batch around the world, including Japan,• Premium British gin gins more widely available Germany, USA, Mexico, France, across the pub and bar Netherlands, India, New Zealand, Italy, Hendrick’s from Spain, Portugal, Australia, Belgium, Girvan, Scotland, for portfolio as the category Singapore and, of course, the UK. the launch of the of gin continues to grow in popular Cucumber the UK and guests search WORLD BEER: FUN FACTS Collins cocktail for a more ‘premium-ised’ • International Beer Day originated• Devon Mist cloudy selection. cider by Sandford in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California. Orchards from There’s also room to improve Devonshire at our soft drinks range. As the • George Washington had his own Baroosh bars (below) brewhouse in the grounds of• Monteith’s bottled latest BrandTrack drinks Mount Vernon, Virginia. beer and ale classics insight report, What’s The from New Zealand Nation Drinking?, states: • Pyramid workers in Egypt were• Camden Hells Lager from London on “40% agree the choice of soft drinks paid daily with 1 gallon (4 litres) selected pub fonts. available when eating and drinking is too of beer. narrow.” • The recipe for beer made by The J20 Spritz by Britvic (above) will be Sumerians over 4,000 years ago the newest addition for McMullen pubs is the oldest known. and bars, with three grown-up variants: • Pear & Raspberry • In the Middle Ages, beer was • Apple & Watermelon consumed more than water as • Peach & Apricot. the alcohol made it safer. Feel free to send in product discoveries • Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an or tips on new trends, via email with empty beer glass. your recommendations and pub name/location to daniella.robbins@ • Beer was not categorised as an mcmullens.co.uk alcoholic drink in Russia until 2013. • In the UK, about 93,000 litres of beer are lost every year in facial hair.

14McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / FOODEYES ON THE PRIZEFood Development Manager Lee Brooks looks at the latestachievements among McMullen’s catering talent Top chef competitions • Kenny Martin, Baroosh Marlow Knives have been • Dom Tutano, Prince of Wales, Cheshunt sharpened, plates polished • Dan Wallace, the Millstream, Hitchin and recipes submitted. That can only mean one thing – the search for After three rounds of cooking, three chefs were selected toour top chefs is on. The first round of Chef of the Year 2015 go through to this year’s final: Jamie Castle, Kenny Martinstarted with 23 chefs arriving at the Training Kitchen. They and Dan Wallace. They’ve been invited to our Companyhad 15 minutes to finish cooking and present their dish, Conference in October, where the winner will be announced.which was taken to a syndicate room where a mystery panel But in the meantime, all of the finalists have been invited to aof judges was waiting with forks at the ready. Day two saw seafood appreciation trip to Brixham later on in the year.14 of our kitchen managers arrive to face the judges. After A report will follow in the next edition of Macs News.two days of eating, it is fair to say our judges were fulland ready to start a detox plan. The standard of cookingwas higher than ever and the judges commented on howdifficult it has been to decide on winners in this year’scompetition. But after long discussions, we selected thefinal six in each category.Kitchen Manager of the Year• Rachid Amrane, Jolly Farmers, Enfield• Jamie Castle, Cock o’ the North, Hatfield• Terri Evans, Coach and Horses, Bishop’s Stortford• Grant Ford, Baroosh Hertford• Jon-Carl Meyer, North Star, Welwyn• Matt Reed, Orange Tree, HitchinChef of the Year• Rebecca Arnold, White Hart, South Mimms• Eliza Dey, Robin Hood, Enfield• Constantine Enache, Bullfinch, Sevenoaks• Bartosz Konieczny, Duchess of Cambridge, Windsor• Natalie Payton, Prince of Wales, Cheshunt• Florin Petrus, Bullfinch, Sevenoaks• Riece Stephens, Cock o’ the North, HatfieldAll finalists will be returning to the Training Kitchen inSeptember for a Master Chef-style day of cooking challengesto battle out for this year’s Chef of the Year. Good luck to all.Fish Chef of the Year 2015For this quite different type of competition, Chefs wereasked to submit a picture and a brief description of their fishdish. All entries were then passed on to our fish supplier,Direct Seafood, which selected its top six dishes. Chefs wereinvited back to the Training Kitchen for a day of fish-basedcooking challenges in early July (pictured). They were:• Jamie Castle, Cock o’ the North, Hatfield• Alex Gamardella, Nags Head, Covent Garden• Danny Hind, Baroosh, Bishop’s Stortford

15 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / FOODCOUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS!THE FESTIVE SEASON IS NOT SO FAR AWAY – AND THE KITCHENS ARE AHEAD OF THE GAMEChristmas menus are going to print wine sauce and horseradish mash.and will soon be in our pubs, writes Lee The beef’s slow cooking means it literallyBrooks. While the traditional dishes melts in the mouth – simply delicious.– roast turkey with all the trimmings,Christmas pudding with brandy sauce Mcfayre pubs will be offering dishesand mince pies – are a must-have at such as wild mushroom soup, goat’sChristmas, I want to share a few other less cheese and beetroot tart, flat iron steakfamiliar but just as tasty dishes with you. with Diane sauce and lemon swirl cheesecake – all fantastic. But having aBaroosh bars have great dishes to sweet tooth, I’m looking forward to eatingchoose from, including duck and the chocolate, rum and black cherryorange parfait, sea bass ceviche, Sirloin yule log, which makes a superbRossini and flourless chocolate torte. Christmas dessert.My favourite has to be pan-roastedcod fillet with gremolata dressing and Menus in Chicken & Grill pubs haveGran Moravia mashed potato – a lighter prawn skewer cocktail, grilled goat’salternative to Christmas dinner. cheese, sea bass ginger and lime fishcake and triple chocolate brownie.Destination menus feature dishes such My hero dish of the menu, however, hasas the trio of smoked fish, stuffed roasted to be chicken, ham and cheddar cheesepork belly, roast squash and beetroot pot pie, made with hand-tornbake and toffee cheesecake. However, rotisserie chicken, pulled ham and aI can’t wait to eat the four-hour braised creamy cheddar cheese sauce with ablade of beef with button onions, red puff pastry lid. Festive treats (from And finally, our community pub top): braised blade of menus will include chicken skewers, beef; chocolate, rum broccoli and cheese bake, fish pie, and black cherry yule mandarin cheesecake and chocolate log; chicken, ham and fudge cake. But it really wouldn’t be cheddar cheese pot pie Christmas without prawn cocktail – still a timeless classic.FIRST IMPRESSIONSNew Training and Development Chef Vince Handscombe talks us through hisfirst few months in the job.“Since I joined a few months’ ago, it’s been a full-on introduction to McMullenand I am thoroughly enjoying every minute. So far, I have supported the openingat the Queen Victoria in Theydon Bois and I also spent a couple of weeks atthe Millstream, Hitchin, which after a major refurbishment has reopened as aChicken & Grill. Well done to Dan Wallace and his kitchen team there, and keepup the hard work!“My first menu development was for the Woolpack, where you will find thebest burgers in Hertford. I have introduced hot dogs to the menu, whichalthough it’s early days, seem to be going down a treat. If you’re in Hertford,this is a must-visit with a new range of burger toppings, filled baguettes, newmilkshakes and desserts. There really is something for everyone.”

16McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / CHARITY FUNDRAISINGALL FOR A GOOD CAUSEA ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST FUNDRAISING ACHIEVEMENTS OF MACS TEAMS AND MANAGERSAlpine cycle challenge me there may be some hills!” he says.Matt Cotter is in the final throes of Tireless Matt was also to take part intraining for his Alpine cycle challenge.He is again raising money for Macmillan a British Heart Foundation challengeCancer Support, this time by cyclingthrough the Alps from Geneva to Nice in July – the 1.4-mile Bournemouthin four days from 22 September. Hesays: “I have now raised over £11,000 to Boscombe pier-to-pier swim – butfor Macmillan by undertaking variousendurance challenges, I’ve also raised unfortunately the swim was postponed£500 for the British Heart Foundation thisyear (thanks to the Jolly Farmers’ Father’s because of strong winds and is to beDay raffle!). I would like to find a localcharity to fundraise for from next year rearranged soon. Top charity donationsand would appreciate any suggestions.” from Matt’s area for these events are: • Jolly Farmers, Enfield £700 • Nag’s Head, Bishop’s Stortford £563 • Prince George, Milton Keynes £490 almost 13 hours, they covered more than 24 miles (longer for those who didn’t hit it • Bull, Broxbourne £401 straight!) and played some 350 shots. • Plough, Enfield £200 Norman Lawrie, General Manager at Kingfisher golf day Ale sale for hospicethe Plough, Flamstead, who completedthe ride to Paris in 2013 (above), is also The Longest Day Golf Challenge is an The sale of 20,000 pints of seasonal aletaking part in the 300-mile ride.”They tell annual event organised by Macmillan Brave Herts raised £2,000 for charity Cancer Support, and this year a team Keech Hospice Care over July, helped from the Kingfisher on the Quay, along by a 10p a pint Camberley, took part, raising more than company donation. £1,000 for the charity. Keech Hospice Care provides specialist Four golfing heroes – General Manager care for adults and Derek Middleton and his Deputy Jack children with life- Schmit, plus two regulars, Gavin Barnett limiting conditions, and Adrian Carter, who’ve been playing as well as vital endurance golf together for the past 12 support for their years – played 72 holes of golf in a day. families and friends. Fergus McMullen, Production and Sales Their first round teed off at 4.40am and Director, thanks all those who supported the fourth and last finished at 5.30pm. In the initiative, including managed pubs, tenants, online beer shoppers andANGEL’S GAME McMullen free trade customers.The Angel, Waltham Abbey, has been Hollybush auctionmore than doing its bit for charity.Following its casino and auction night On FA Cup Final day, back at the end ofearlier this year (below), which raised May, the Hollybush, Loughton, organised£2,234 for the Royal Marsden Hospital, a charity raffle and auction that raisedGeneral Manager Julie Hek and her more than £1,000 for Great Ormondteam staged a darts night (right) which Street Hospital (GOSH).put £295 the way of Haven Houseand Macmillan Cancer Support. The General Manager Ryan Murphynight was backed by arrowsmith Steve assembled sporting memorabilia,Beaton – aka the Bronzed Adonis, a including boxing, football and snookerformer world champion, now ranked prizes, for the auction. Among them23 in the world – who popped in to were gloves signed by previous Britishshow how it’s done. Julie’s son David world champions and future champions,organised both events, and brought such as heavyweight boxer Anthonyplenty of friends along to join in the fun. Joshua, who was fighting that evening in

17McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / CHARITY FUNDRAISINGa bout screened in the Hollybush. Says Heron’s top flight effortRyan: “We decorated the pub in GOSHbanners, balloons and posters and raised The Heron on the Lake at Fleet stagedthe money in a few hours during and a fantastic charity day at the end ofafter the football. We organised the event June, raising £3,005 for Macmillanin collaboration with one of our regular Cancer Support nurses at nearbyguests, and we were both extremely Frimley Park Hospital – beating itspleased with what turned out to be a target amount by £5!.fantastic result for a charity so close tomany people’s hearts. I was extremely Guests and team wore fancy dressproud of my team for all they did on the for activities during the day includingday and in the previous weeks to notify facepainting, magic and ballooncustomers and raise awareness of what tricks that enthralled children, pluswe were planning. All in all, a great result!” a tombola and cake stall. The action rolled on into the night thanks toIron Man swimmers superb music from various bands playing on the decking. And to Area Managers everyone’s astonishment, Stig from James Carboni Top Gear dropped by too. and Matt Cotter took part in the The day added to a local fundraising River Arun Iron initiative, The For Tour 2015, in which Man swim in June, local men paddle their canoes from swimming 3.8km. Crickdale, Wiltshire, to Gravesend, Of the 350 who Kent, to raise money for Macmillancompleted the swim, they nurses at Frimley Park.finished a very respectable128th and 193rd place. Says General ManagerJames: “The start was a bit messy Dee Annibal says:and a lot of salt water consumed, “This local charitybefore settling into a good rhythm. is worth every bitA good day was had and we willbe back again next year to improve of support from us.our finishing positions.” Thank you to the amazing team and volunteers who helped run the day to perfection!”Jolly Butchers double and generous the Andrews Sisters as they dined. guests raised £555 for Macmillan And outside we had a children’s choirThe Jolly Butchers, Enfield, has Cancer Support. Another race night is dressed up as evacuees, Kenny Charles’been raising big sums. A race night in planned for September. live band, a barbecue and SecondMay brought in £1,036, and a big charity World War military jeeps. And throughbash in June raised the combined Cricketers VE Day a raffle we raised £350 for Haven Housetotal to £4,253.90 – all of which went to Children’s Hospice.”Macmillan Cancer Support. Says General The Cricketers at Woodford celebratedManager Alison Barnes: “They were both VE Day in May with a Party in the (Car) Marathon manfabulous events. For the charity night, we Park. General Managers Tim and Wendyhad a live band, The Establishment, who O’Sullivan made the most of the end of Having started runningdonated their time for free, and we had a the Second World War nostalgia. Says last year, Retail Directorraffle and auction. In the auction we had Tim: “It was a spectacular day enjoyed by Heydon Mizon decideda watch donated from Hatton Garden, a all, including the Pearly King and Queen. to try a marathon. And tosigned Tottenham Hotspur football, plus Inside, guests listened to Vera Lynn and make it a worthy wallet-a signed Spurs shirt. And guests donated emptier for his chosenitems for the raffle prizes, as did Macs. charity, Heydon decidedThanks so much to all the team and our to run and orienteer 27 cross-countrygenerous guests.” miles along the Stour Valley Path on one of the hottest days of the year. ThreeWhite Hart race night hours and 43 minutes later, finishing fifth and with over £1,000 raised for St ClareThe White Hart, South Mimms, had a Hospice, Heydon enjoyed a well-earnedvery successful race night in May and hug from his eldest son, Oliver.General Manager Martin Lang, his team

18 McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TAP ROOMTRACEY KEEPS TRYINGThose who work with Tracey Lee, Macs’ and at the age of 43 is still going strong. Tracey has been with McMullen sinceIT systems administrator, know how good She’s also manager of the women’s team 1996, when she started as temporaryshe is at managing projects, attending to and one of the girls’ coaches. receptionist covering a maternity leave.details and getting things done on time. She became the Finance Director’sWell, it’s exactly those qualities, plus her Vice-chairman for the past two years, secretary, later covering for thepassion for the game of rugby, that’s seen she’s now been asked to step up and Chairman’s secretary, before spotting anher recently elected as the first female spearhead the club’s move to a million- opening in the IT team 10 years ago.chairman of Harlow Rugby Club. pound-plus new home. “We have 18 months before we move, so it’s a really “I’ve always taken great pains when I’mTracey’s been playing rugby at Harlow, as exciting time and I feel very honoured to organising things,” says Tracey. “I thinka second row forward, for nearly 12 years have been asked,” she says. that’s why Harlow asked me to become chairman. “I’m not sure I’m going to like the public speaking part of the job, but I’m looking forward to the move and also helping recruit new players to the club, men as well as women.” With the Rugby World Cup looming, and given that England’s women rugby players are current world champions, does she think the men can match them? “I would love to say England can win, and I believe they will have a good go, but I think New Zealand will ultimately lift the cup again,” she says.The Sun Inn, Nazeing, was again the GO-O-O-O-O-A-L!venue for the sporting event of the (Macs)year. The five-a-side tournament is a smallthank you to all those involved – and areminder of how poor the Retail HeadOffice team’s football skills are.This year the event drew moreentries than ever and, despitethe odd downpour, spirits werehigh. The day was beautifullyrun by John Beare and histeam, with plenty of goals, heftytackles, a little gamesmanship,great food and music.Two or three no-shows gave theRetail Head Office Team their first everthree points with a bye – they actuallyscored a goal and grabbed a spectaculardraw. Meanwhile, the White HorseBurnham Green made it to the final,where they faced the Bull Broxbourneand managed to edge a competitive gameand secure a well-deserved win – for thesecond year running (team, inset).

19McMULLEN NEWS / SUMMER 2015 / TAP ROOMFAREWELL JOAN FESTIVAL VIBESDirectors’ secretary Joan Bunyan has l MACS ROCKSretired after 15 years with the company. McMullen rolled out the barrels for theShe was given a warm send-off at a very annual Rock at Thewell attended party at the Salisbury Castle festival in earlyin July, and leaves with many happy August. Last yearmemories of her time with McMullen. was a hit and this year the Woolpack“I’ve had such a nice time here,” says Above: Fergus and the White HartJoan, who recently turned 68. “I started McMullen (left) and teamed up againin 2000 and I really wish I could have Peter to deliver a pop-upjoined years before that. So it Furness-Smith wish bar (below) andwas a very hard decision for Joan all the best for classic Macs service. Liveme to leave. But I wanted to go retirement bands, musicians and acoustic actswhile I am still fit and healthy Left: Joan pictured on performed in the castle grounds, whileand can spend lots of time her appointment, as festival-goers sampled refreshingwith my husband, pottering announced in Macs tipples and delicious food from otheraround, gardening and walking News in 2000 local vendors as well.Hector, my little black terrier.” Hertford Baroosh and meeting up with l OKTOBERFEST IN HERTFORDJoan has worked for several some old friends. And hopefully I’m on Four years ago, Hertford Town Councildirectors during her time at the invitation list for the pensioners’ party started an annual celebration of foodHertford – Tony Skipper, a and the outing!” and drink. This year, McMullen returnsformer Production Director; as gold sponsor of theHead Brewer Chris Evans; Food and DrinkSales and Production Director Festival and we’reFergus McMullen; and more latterly extending ourManaging Director Peter Furness-Smith. Brewery Open Day across three“They’ve all been very nice to work for,” days. It’s Hertford’ssays Joan, “and I shall miss everyone. equivalent ofBut I look forward to popping into the Oktoberfest – all things beer will beMAC’S OWN POP-UP SPACE celebrated fromFOR EVENTS AND MORE 9-11 October at the Brewery, includingMarketing Support Manager Daniella Robbins brewery tours, beer tastings, foodand Interior Designer and Purchaser Kerry pairings, home-baked cupcakes withWalters are working together to transform McMullen ale, as well as live music onthe old Cellar Services Room at the Hertford the dray van, a pop up restaurant andBrewery into a space for pop-up concepts and tearoom and family fun.events. With help from Chris King, they are • If you would like to get involvedrecycling old pub furniture, McMullen artefactssuch as magazine covers, adverts and crates, and volunteer at any McMullenbarrels to construct the bar, and using palettes events, please contactfor shelving. The idea is to host beer-tasting [email protected] food-pairing sessions with the experts, seasonal talks about our ingredientsfor the beer enthusiasts, as well as opening a pop-up shop to sell our goods on thebrewery doorstep and enable locals to experience the “Macs Way”. The aim is toopen in time for the Hertford Food & Drink Festival on 9-11 October.• For more information, keep an eye on the company blog.