First pub in Wales to scoop top beer award
A Spirit pub has become the first pub in Wales to scoop the Beautiful Beer Platinum Award.
The Maenllwyd Inn in Rudry, near Caerphilly, was hailed for the quality and range of its beer, its knowledgeable staff and a menu which matches beers to complement different food dishes.
The Chef & Brewer outlet was also named Spirit Group's Pub of the Year 2006 for its food and drink offering and as customer service.
Managers Alistair and Kelly Baker said: "Only a handful of pubs in the UK have the Beautiful Beer Platinum Award and we're honoured to be the first in Wales. We have a real passion for beer and we offer a very good range of real ales and speciality beers.
"Our beer menu details our extensive range so customers can select the beers that best suit their choice of food. We also have staff who are trained to give advice to help them make their selection.
"This award is external recognition for our work and will help spread the word that we are not only a great place for beer fans but for all who are interested in discovering new tastes and flavours."
To achieve the award the Maenllwyd Inn was inspected by a Beautiful Beer assessor. At Platinum level - the highest level - the criteria includes the quality of the beer and also the 'beer experience' in the pub. This includes the range of beers, the glassware, the promotion of beers on chalkboards or menus, beer and food matching and the staff's knowledge of beer.
Alistair had attended a 'Preparation for Platinum' training day at Spirit's new Learning and Development Centre in Northampton. The one day course covered all aspects of beer knowledge, beer quality and how to link beer with food.
