News On Tap - Spring 2018

+ THE ORIGIN OF A.K. + Inspiration in lisbon+ The MCmullen Awards 2017

McMullen & Sons Limited Welcome! The Hertford Brewery 26 Old Cross I'm delighted to confirm Hertfordshire that Christmas saw a record SG14 1RD number of guest visits. We aim to deliver the best guest [email protected] experience every visit, and the©Copyright 2018 McMullen & Sons Ltd. feedback we've received has been overwhelmingly positive. Facebook/mcmullens1827 Occasionally things go awry but we work hard to put them right, @mcmullens1827 which we're told is appreciated. An exciting year lies ahead with three – possibly four – new pubs, a growing group of developing managers and exciting new brews from our small, but perfectly formed brewing team. Plus we get to work with people of whom we're immensely proud. Inside are a few snippets that celebrate the great things you deliver. Thank you for looking after our guests and for making McMullen & Sons a fabulous place to work! Heydon, Joint Managing Director

The short answer is — chalk marks could be interpreted There are further references“we don’t really know!” as either Xs or Ks. Excise Officers, around 1870 in the English however then went further and Mechanic and World of ScienceThe story goes that a certain Arthur used the letter A in some cases which delves into the processesKing, owner of a number of Public as a substitute for two Xs. A.K. of brewing by an anonymousHouses, had the suggestion that therefore represents XXXs or fountain of knowledge referred tothe beer supplied to him must be KKKs. This explanation seems a as ‘Aroma’ who captions A.K. asimproved considerably if it was bit of a tall story to us so perhaps a ‘Keeping Ale’, is this perhapsto satisfy fully the then popular it would be fair to say that XXX the real use of the abbreviation?demand. Mr King explained that signified a Dark Mild, and thatwhat he wanted was a brilliant A.K. signifies a top quality Mild – Of course, there are many morebeer of medium colour, but with because that is just what it is! theories behind the mysteriousits attributes perfectly balanced origins of A.K. and many moreinto an attractive blend of flavours Let's delve deeper, as the stories colloquial references. One thingand with a pleasing aroma. The of the mysterious origin of A.K. to be certain of, this classic alebeer although not sweet, should span even further. Originally is a pint bursting in authentichave its sugar content apparent suggested by Martyn Cornell, A.K. heritage and history, and weon the palate. Similarly, the blend was in reference to a measurement are proud to have it still Aliveof hop flavours and aroma must with the K in A.K. coming from and Kicking since 1833.be pleasing and delicate, yet Koyt, the name of a hopped beernever pronouncedly bitter; and found in Northern Germany inthe tonic properties must be the 15th century, and A standingthose normal to most products. for Ankel meaning ‘Single’. This suggestion, as convincingRather a large order it may be as it may sound struggled tosaid, yet the long list of necessities find a definite and paralleledwere achieved, and satisfied not definition of A.K. as a beer.only Arthur King but also thepublic. So it is said, Mr King’s Another suggestion takes us backinitials have typified for many to British Prime Minister Herbertdecades what is regarded as Asquith who put a substantialthe ideal palate, best mild. raise on the tax on a standard barrel coining the term Asquith'sIf you don’t accept the above Knockout. Mr Asquith was alsoexplanation, another account can known to be rather fond of a drink,be attributed to the practice of the giving this theory some substance.Excise Officers of some 200 years However, references of A.K. goago. They marked beer casks with back further than Asquith’s datechalk markings, Mild Ales either of birth, unfortunately stoppinghave 1, 2, or 3 Xs – Strong Ales this theory in its tracks.having 4 or 5. After a time theseTHE BREWERY — www.mcmullens.co.uk 2-3

4-13 People What'sFind out about the latest While the McMullen heritagecareer progression within products remain strong, theMac's and meet the popularity of Rivertown Brewingnewest additions to our products is growing.family owned business.14-16 The KitchenWe recap on the foodinspiration trip to Lisbon andwhat's new in our kitchens- people and dishes.17-18 MarketingFind out which famous faceshave been visiting your localand also how our latestpub got worldwide fame.19 Tenants &PUB OPERATORSWelcoming newbusiness partners to theMcMullen's family.20-23 CharityRaise a glass to our topfundraisers, taking onpersonal challengesand uniting guestsfor good causes. Houses have been listening to customer views on what they want to see at the bar. There are now three beers to enjoy: Premium Pale Ale (5.1%), Standard Pale Ale (4.3%), and Pilsner (4.7%). New brew Rivertown Pilsner is proving very popular with lager and ale drinkers thanks to its soft and light feel, balanced by a powerful bitterness and a hoppy

aroma. The overall flavour In August 2017 the McMullen family to be a daunting and exciting stepis much bolder than other said goodbye to Daniella Robbins into the unknown. But the amazinglagers in McMullen pubs. as she relocated to a warmer teams across Head Office and climate, and welcomed Claire our pubs have made the transitionThe brewery recently added Cummings as the new Marketing a thoroughly enjoyable one.”two brand new 20 BBL Support Manager. Bringing withconditioning tanks. The kegging her a degree in Communication Claire told us that key to herplant has been running at and Graphic Design, an IPM smooth settling-in period wasfull bore, and the new filter diploma in Promotional Marketing, joining the group that comehas allowed for much easier, and 8 years’ industry experience together on Monday evenings toquicker, and more reliable marketing for brands such as Stella play football on the five-a-sidefiltration of kegged products. Artois, Tesco, Tottenham Hotspur, pitches, local to the Brewery. and Red Bull, Claire hit the groundThe modern market is calling running at one of the Marketing “Being a sporty person outsidefor a more contemporary style department’s busiest times of of work, a bit of extracurricularof brewing with a broader year: the run-up to Christmas. team work with a touch of healthyrange of funky flavours. The competition was the perfectRivertown seasonal cask Reflecting on her first 6 months in icebreaker, and a way for me tobeers are designed for that the business, Claire remarked: get to know a broad range of teammarket, combining quality members including Area Managers,English brewing methods “My time so far at McMullen’s has Food Development, Accounts,with contemporary ideas and flown by – I can’t believe it’s been IT, and Pubs. I’m already lookingingredients from around the half a year already! The move forward to the next inter-pubworld. They’re characterised from agency life to an in-house tournament, McFifa, in summer!”by big hop flavours and marketing team was always goinga well-balanced body.Each beer will be availablefor around six weeks.Aside from Rivertown, therehave been some McMullen-ledprojects. We produced a light,4% golden ale named ‘GoldenYears’ in collaboration withCAMRA, to celebrate 45 yearsof their South Herts branch. Itwas exhibited at the St AlbansBeer and Cider Festival inSeptember, and was availablein a select few houses. In Apriland May we’ll be supportingWillow Foundation by brewing‘Special Day’, with 20p fromeach pint going to the charity.PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 4-5

Front of House Silver AwardS Eleven additional team members have completed their Silver Award since October 2017. FOH Silver covers cellar management, kitchen/bar skills, stock controls, line checks, cash handling, tills, shift management, and off-site training at the Brewery. ’’ Joe Edmunds ’’ Mercedes Steppings ’’ Adam Norris ’’ Daniel Bishop ’’ Elizabeth Gray ’’ Lulia Andrei ’’ Katarzyna Lipowska ’’ Lara Martinez Bravo ’’ Natasha Wancke ’’ Amy Dimatrino ’’ Luke HickfordFRONT OF HOUSE FIFTEEN ASSISTANT MANAGERS Gold Award COMPLETED THEIR GOLD AWARD. THIS COVERS RECRUITMENT & SELECTION, PROFIT & LOSS, LEADERSHIP, COACHING, MANAGING PERFORMANCE, BUSINESS PLANNING, AND GAP MANAGEMENT. THE GOLD AWARDS NIGHT WAS HELD ON 26TH FEBRUARY AT THE SALISBURY ARMS HOTEL. A big well done to: ’’ Ashleigh Methven ’’ Frank Almeida ’’ Alistair Chapman ’’ Daniel Huggett ’’ Adam Roberts ’’ Daniel Horridge ’’ Iona Smith ’’ Emily Davies ’’ Grace Campbell ’’ Alex Hoskin ’’ Callum Mitchell ’’ Emma Bateman ’’ Alison Ostacchini ’’ Sam Pavey ’’ Lauren Dubois

This new award commemorates the life of Megan Brogan, who sadly passed away when working towards her Silver Award. The new annual award required Area Managers to make their nominations after considering those silver trained team members that have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their daily pursuit of service and teamworkexcellence. Those considered had all developed significantly since completing their Silver Award and all live our company values with pride and passion. We expect the decision of choosing the Silver Star to be very tough each year, we’ve got so many terrific people developing in our pubs. The choosing of the inaugural ‘Star’ was no different, it was a tough decision but Emma Mazzucco was chosen. She is a truly unique and amazing young lady, if you have the opportunity you should pop into the Coach and Horses, Bishops Stortford and see her at work. Congratulations Emma, McMullen’s Silver Star 2018.PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 6-7

îî We start work between Matt Cotter, will allow me to compete in my 5.30 and 7.00am, carrying Operations Manager first half Ironman. Next year it’ll out vehicle checks before be a full Ironman. Improving hitting the road. Ironically, I sit down to write in all three disciplines takes this piece having just got home time and dedication – and aîî Each delivery run consists of from work at almost 10pm! I very understanding wife! It’s a whopping 7 tonnes of stock. was brought up to believe in important to me: the long hours hard work, and I still hold that of training allow me to empty myîî Most runs feature 3-4 belief as one of my personal mind and get things in order. deliveries. We unload the core values, although now I stock, check the order, understand that balance is key. In life, you get out what you put mark any discrepancies in. If you want to be successful on the delivery note, and It’s a generational thing, times in sport or at work, you need then put empty containers have changed. The internet to work hard. Just be sure back onto the dray for means that you can get more to find the right balance. return to the brewery. done, far faster, than you could 20 years ago. Millennials andîî Back at the brewery we unload Centennials pay much more the empty containers, load attention to wellbeing, and I can’t stock for the second run, argue with that sentiment. then head back out again. Making time for yourself and yourîî Before heading home, we load loved ones, understanding what all drays with the following wellbeing means, and spending morning’s deliveries. time improving your fitness will in turn make you more efficient at work. I’ve recently started investing 10 minutes a day in meditating. Using the meditation app has really helped me to keep things in perspective, to think and act more rationally when under pressure, and to be more effective at work. All of which means more ‘me’ time and more family time. Over the past four years I’ve developed a real passion for triathlon. From a very unhealthy base, I’ve reached the level that

Welcome 8-9 In November 2017 we celebrated Sharon Howell (Salisbury) and Mike Hawkins (Area Manager) for 25 years of hard work supporting McMullen’s, leading teams and looking after thousands of happy guests. Affectionately known as ‘The Commander’, Mike’s popularity and prowess as an Area Manager manifest themselves in his retention of the Management Team. He’s consistently improved the sales and profit performance of his pubs, identifying talent and encouraging innovative sales ideas. Thanks to pub developments and new pubs in the pipeline, there’s no chance of Mike becoming restless. This July marks Sharon’s 25 years management of the Salisbury Arms, our only hotel. She’s also run The Red Lion in Hatfield, The Cricketers in Enfield, The Plough in Crews Hill, and The Banyers at Royston. She always has a smile and a great story to tell. If you haven’t met her, drop by and she’ll show you around. PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk

A Warm WelcomeDave Richards Helen Mills David Barclay and Tom CoxDave has recently returned to David joined McMullen’s in 2017reform his successful Management Helen and Tom are our new to take the reins at The Britannia,partnership with partner Natalie General Managers at The Black Marlow. He worked for M&B for 12Farr, looking after The Coach & Bull, Buntingford. Formerly with JD years before meeting Dan and JoeHorses for a short while before Wetherspoon, they saw McMullen at The Duchess. “Their passiontaking on their next challenge, the and Son’s as an opportunity to step and enthusiasm for the companyNags Head in Bishop's Stortford. away from the corporate machine was infectious, and when I joined IHe had left to run a high-volume and stamp their personalities immediately felt valued, respectedrestaurant at Luton Airport but on their pub. Helen’s Dad was and appreciated,” said David.returned as he enjoys being part awarded the British Empireof the McMullen family. An ex- Medal (BEM), which allows herForces man, Dave once saved to marry in St Paul’s Cathedral.someone’s life using Morse code.He’s a man of hidden talents!

McMullen’s has Our awards range from the People through a number of tasks andbeen at the core of Award, which recognises General experiences in order to revealthe Hertfordshire Managers who recruit, develop, who truly deserves the accoladecommunity for over train, coach, and retain the most of Team Member of the Year.190 years thanks valuable asset for any business –to the fantastic our people, to the Business Growth The ceremony was held at thepeople who proudly Award for teams that have made a Sheraton Grand hotel in Piccadillyrepresent our material difference to McMullen’s this year, and hosted by thecompany and go success through outstanding sales hilarious Hal Cruttenden.the extra mile to and profit with a long-term view.ensure the best For a full breakdown of all winnersguest experience The much sought-after top title and nominations, read ‘The Annualevery time. awards include Manager of the McMullen Awards 2017’ blog Year, Newcomer, and Marketeer of post on the McMullen website.We cherish and reward the Year. For our team members,excellence and passion at our we recognise the Chef and FishAnnual McMullen Awards, a Chef of the Year, Kitchen Manager,day of celebration recognising and overall Team Member ofall the individuals in our pubs the Year. The latter award goeswho go above and beyond in to an outstanding, confidentevery part of their career. and aspiring individual who is destined for great achievements. After the primary nominations, all elected team members are put \"We cherish and reward excellence and passion at our Annual McMullen Awards,\"PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk 10 - 11

Promotions, Internal Move�s and Kristina and Ryan Murphy Simon Copp Ryan is a seasoned GM with Kristina and Simon are McMullen’s having recently longstanding, valued members made the local move from of the McMullen’s Management Baroosh, Hertford to The Team. Their most recent move Woolpack. Ryan loves the was from The Orange Tree family values at the core of(changing to McFayre) to The North Star in Welwyn. McMullen’s, where team members are names, notKristina and Simon love working for McMullen’s numbers. Ryan’s claim to fame is that he auditionedbecause of our family values. They met working at for a role in the first Captain America film!The Peahen in 2003, and have been with us ever since. Janka Hunnisett Sam Tanner Janka recently moved from Sam is a rising star from our The Wonder, Enfield, to the outstanding training and White Hart in South Mimms. development programmes. She’s been with McMullen’s Now she’s a proud GM at The for almost 11 years and loves Builders Arms in Potters Bar. the fact that she’s had oodles She also cites the family cultureof training, support, and opportunities to grow. as the best thing about McMullen’s. Sam is an avidOriginally from Slovakia, Janka misses the winter Southend United fan, and an 80s music fan, which shesports, particularly skiing and ice skating. claims is “the best decade for music ever, serious!” Daniel Browne Neil Alexander Dan has been given his first shot Neil is a loyal, dedicated member as a GM, and he’s made a pretty of the McMullen’s team. His awesome start at The Hollybush! commitment has earned him Dan says McMullen’s “is like an the role of GM at the newly extended family, everyone is so developed Orange Tree in friendly and willing to offer advice Hitchin. He loves the emphasisand go out of their way to help”. Dan almost became on people at McMullen’s. A keen musician, Neil isa butcher, but thankfully chose hospitality instead. a former student of music and plays the guitar and piano. He also loves cars, motorbikes and track days.

Chris Gregg Peter Robinson Chris is enjoying his first role Peter moved from The Black as a GM at The White Swan Bull to the Harrier in late 2017. in Pimlico. “If you’re willing to He loves his role. “McMullen’s challenge yourself and put the is unlike any other company I hard work in to progress, the have worked for. Employees opportunities will come,” he at all levels are people, nottold us. Chris nearly made his living in accountancy just numbers, and having that personalisationbut found he preferred pubs. Good lad! helps to motivate us all to give 100%.” Pete is currently learning to play the banjulele. Steven Barton Robyn Wase Steve has progressed to Robyn has recently made the the position of GM at The jump from McMullen’s pub Saracens in Ware. He life to working in the Head appreciates the opportunities Office. Previously working as to progress and the depth of Team Supervisor at The Bull training offered at McMullen’s. in Broxbourne, Robyn is nowSteve has a daughter on the way in March, busy learning the ropes as an Accounts Clerk. Youthough he hopes that won’t stop him watching may already be familiar with Robyn’s name as this isFormula 1, cricket, and Manchester United! not the first time she has featured in News on Tap. Previously she was included within the group of hard workers that completed their Silver Award training.Hangs up His Pitchfork 12 - 13Paul Harper was the Head Greenkeeper at ChadwellSprings for 40 years, over three quarters of hisworking life! Paul worked tirelessly in ensuring theChadwell Golf Course had an exceptional reputation,nurturing every inch of the course with loving care.Over recent years the course has been completelyredeveloped. Paul actually hit retirement age acouple of years ago but wanted to stay and see thedevelopment through. He’s embraced the changesand ensured that the quality that he worked so hardto deliver is plain for all to see on the new course.Now Paul has finally retired, he hands over toDuncan Lang, whom we know will continue theChadwell tradition of lovingly nurtured greens.Thanks Paul! Enjoy a well-deserved,long and healthy retirement.PEOPLE — www.mcmullens.co.uk

In The LisbonWFOOORDDSDEBVYELLOEEPMBREONOTKMSA,NAGER

The winners of our Chef of 14 - 15the Year competitions flewto Lisbon to sample the localdelights and enjoy the sun.We headed to the beer museum in the harbourwhere we enjoyed a lunchtime feast of salt cod fishcake with a cheese filling, and cured ham. Then itwas off to Belem in search of the original Pastéisde Belém (Portuguese egg custard tart). Dinnerwas at Solar dos Presuntos, where pictures ofthe staff with famous footballers and A-list celebsadorn the walls. Mains consisted of generousseafood platters, grilled steak, and lobster curry.After breakfasting at local restaurant Peri-Peri, we wentto the Time Out Market, an amazing place in which youcan smell and taste some of Portugal’s finest produce.Dinner was at the Rib, Beef & Wine Restaurant, wherewe enjoyed a taster menu featuring beef croquetteswith smoked onion sauce, air-dried beef, Entrecotesteak, and poached meringue on a lemon cream.We headed to the airport following a 7.30am breakfast.Another wonderful trip shared with like-mindedfoodies, all of us coming away with lots of inspiration.To go on an all-expenses-paid foodinspiration trip, make sure you enterour Chefs of the Year competitions,details of which will be out soon.THE KITCHEN — www.mcmullens.co.uk

Our botanicals include raspberries.Real ones. The ones that grow on bushes. Deliciously dry with a hint of fruit and an exceptionally smooth finish, Pinkster makes a refreshingly different G&T. www.pinkstergin.com

Reward and team took the chequered flag. A for eight years, during which timeRecognition fantastic day had by all, finished he’s made running one of our busieston the Track with a few post-race pints and sites look easy. Aaron’s attention to fresh pizza at The Angels. A great detail, commitment, high standards,After a record-breaking Christmas, it way to say thank you to all our and experience make him thewas high time to reward our hard- teams for all their hard work. perfect trainer. I can’t wait to haveworking chefs for their huge efforts him involved with the Food team.during the festive season. And what New Area Chefbetter way than a little competitive Trainer Chicken & Grilldriving? McMullen’s traditional Menu Reviewgo-karting competition roared into It gives me great pleasure toaction in January, and saw nine announce that Aaron Basset has Our Chicken & Grill concept hasteams complete over 70 laps. After been appointed our second Area an exciting year ahead, with themuch flag waving, Peter Wood’s Chef Trainer. Aaron has been Kitchen opening of the Princess Charlotte Manager at The Heron on the Lake and two more sites in the pipeline, we’ve created a menu to match. My favourite starter is the classic buffalo chicken wings, coated in a classic buffalo sauce and served with a buttermilk dressing to balance the heat. We’re introducing a slow- cooked, marinated boneless chicken, finished on the chargrill. It’s so good! Now the best bit, a dessert exclusively for adults: the Boozy Berry Sundae. Raspberries soaked in Pinkster gin, forest fruits, coulis, and meringue, layered through soft whipped ice cream.The Wheelwrights steamed vegetables, it’s a fantastic Words by Vince Handscombe,Makes a Fabulous addition and under 650 calories. Training And Development ChefComeback What’s the best way to finish? ACommunity pub The Wheelwrights Belgian chocolate sponge puddinghad a well-deserved makeover with a generous helping of custard.and relaunched in November2017 with an exciting new menu.As this is a classic McMullen pub,you must start with our buttermilkchicken goujons served with aBBQ dip – the perfect match. We’veintroduced a ‘Calorie Conscious’section with dishes like grilledsea bass, new potatoes andTHE KITCHEN — www.mcmullens.co.uk 16 - 17

Marketin� The Princess Charlotte in Colchester opened in December 2017 and our famous rotisserie chicken proved to be a massive success with the local community. Proudly holding the title as the first pub named after the young princess, the pub received attention from news outlets worldwide, who were excited to cover the story. In January 2018, we went viral! The Princess Charlotte pub was seen by millions of royal enthusiasts worldwide in publications like The Daily Mail, Fox News, Hello!, and People.

Father Fergus Famous Faces The Nags Head in Covent GardenReturns to Party in Our Pubs saw some familiar faces duringHertford one of their Christmas functions McMullen’s has had a glimpse in December 2017. A festive partyThe streets of Hertford were filled of the big time recently hosted by Juliet Denison, director ofwith the sound of festive bells with a few visits from some Hungry Bear productions, had a VIPjingling hooves clip-clopping as famous names and faces. guest list. Staff brushed shouldersFather Fergus ventured out on with the likes of Holly Willoughbythe McMullen horse and dray for The Salisbury Arms Hotel in and Dermot O’Leary. The starsour annual Christmas parade. Hertford was transformed by enjoyed our premium buffet the glitz and glamour of the featuring canapés, mini wagyuThe parade is a festive present small screen as a BBC TV crew burgers, hake goujons and chips,and an opportunity for local arrived to shoot new drama ‘A and copious quantities of Prosecco.primary schools to treat some Very English Scandal’ starring After the feast they partied theof their students to a unique ride Paddington and James Bond night away to music from Kiss FMaround town with Santa just before star Ben Whishaw, and The DJ Melvin O’Doom. Just anotherChristmas Day. Father Fergus was Inbetweeners actor Blake Harrison. crazy evening at The Nags!also equipped with a few samplesof Stronghart and Bootwarmer The hotel provided a perfectto keep mums and dads warm. backdrop to the 70s-based drama with its historic fittings and dark wood panelling.New Look for an Old FavouriteThe Salisbury Arms Hotel dates back to the18th Century, when the building was knownas The Bell. It became part of the McMullenfamily in 1891, and is very much at the heartof the Hertford dining and drinking scene.The Salisbury received a tasteful refurbishment atthe end of 2017, which breathed a new lease oflife into a building steeped in history. The hotel’swebsite was refreshed to match the new lookand feel of the building. Salisburyarms.co.uk is auser-friendly hub covering the hotel’s features.MARKETING — www.mcmullens.co.uk 18 - 19

New ArrivalsThe Globe, Codicote all in the pipeline, along with plans set to launch soon. They’ve got to spruce up the courtyard garden. great plans for utilising the hugePictured top garden over the summer. We’re The Stag, Ongar looking forward to them growingHaving worked as a manager for into the community and puttingthe previous tenants, Mandy and Pictured Bottom left The Stag back on the map.fiancé Matt have fitted in reallyquickly. Mandy ran a school kitchen Cara and her daughter Megan The Robin Hoodfor four years and has successfully moved to McMullen’s in September and Little John,introduced food back into the 2017. Megan is currently Rabley Heathbusiness. Sunday roasts are already undergoing an apprenticeship inpopular. Charity events and a focus hospitality while also setting up Pictured Bottom RIGHton upcoming sporting events are the kitchen and a new menu that’s William and Mandy had been waiting for the right opportunity in this area for some time and finally moved in January. Several skips later and a new kitchen on the way, we wish them every success in continuing the excellent reputation left by the previous tenants, and hope the weather this summer is a bit kinder so they can take full advantage of the fantastic gardens in this cracking rural pub.

CharityThe Old Anchor The team raised an impressive with breast cancer and she £620.89 for St Clare Hospice. came to help for the evening.”The Old Anchor Walking Fantastic efforts by all the teamTalking Girls took part in the That followed an open mic-style at The Hare, great work!Shine Night Walk for Cancer event back in October 2017,Research UK in September organised for Breast Cancer. “Our team charity events2017, which along with other The team raised £700.07 with continue to raise moneyfundraising events like tea parties, donation buckets around and ahelped them raise a whopping small raffle with prizes from local for worthy causes”£1,101.96 for the great cause. businesses. Manager Jason said: “It was also very fitting as one ofThe ladies walked a half marathon, our regulars had been diagnosedwhich started at Southwark Parkand passed landmarks like theTower of London, The Gherkin,St Paul’s Cathedral, and theHouses of Parliament to end atOld Billingsgate. The photo showsLainey, Wendy, Felicity, Rosalindand Michelle having a little warm-up drink. Well done, ladies!The HareTeam Supervisor May wascharged with organising TheHare’s Christmas charity event,and what a great job she did. On22nd December 2017, a Santa’sgrotto was built complete withsnow machine and a candycane hunt. That was followedby Christmas carollers andtwo singers in the evening.Tenancy and charity — www.mcmullens.co.uk 20 - 21

The Royal OakOver the festive season our Chicken& Grill pubs welcomed supportfrom Pinkster Gin ‘the natural ginwith a mischievous grin’. Eachsite was gifted a 70cl bottle ofPinkster Gin, plus a jar of Gin Jamand Boozy Berries for a charityChristmas hamper raffle for guests.One lucky winner in every pubtook home a great prize for a greatcause and helped us to raise anamazing average of £232 per pub.Each site donated their proceedstowards various local charities.The top Chicken & Grill fundraiserover the festive period was TheRoyal Oak in Chingford, wherethe team raised £530 for theKeech BraveHerts Appeal.The Pinkster Gin raffle wasextremely popular with our guests,raising a total of £190. That wastopped up with a charity-ledevent to see in the New Year.“We created and sold our ownNew Year’s Eve tickets at £10per person, which included afree drink on arrival, a fingerbuffet, and a glass of bubbly atmidnight. The money collectedpaid for their free drink andentertainment, which left us with£340.” – Nicola, Holding Manager. “Each site was gifted a 70cl bottle of Pinkster Gin, plus other items for a charity Christmas hamper raffle ”

THE ANGEL On Dec 3rd 2017, a group from the Angel took part in the Santa Dash for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Looking every bit the part in red suits, beards and hats the team raised an impressive £1128.05p. In addition to this, the Angel raised £108.00 at their coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support in September and £68.00 for the Poppy Appeal in November. Well done everyone involved! THE CRICKETERS In December the Cricketers in Woodford Green raised their voices, glasses and £518.96 for Haven House Children’s Hospice with their charity “Sing -a -long, Ding -a-long”. Beautifully done Cricketers!Charity — www.mcmullens.co.uk 22 - 23