Palmers Brewery announces winner of its first Master Cellarman of the Year award

Tracey and Steve Brady (pictured) who run the Marquis of Lorne at Nettlecombe, were praised for their hard work and commitment in keeping the cellar running smoothly.

All Palmers Brewery's 55 pubs were put through a tough series of assessments and checks over the course of a year to ensure cask ales are served at their best.

Tracey said that keeping a good cellar was about hard work and commitment.

'Correct conditions'​

"Obviously we have a really good quality product in the first place, but it is about keeping the beer under the correct conditions, with clean lines and keeping the beer flowing," she said. 

"We serve the beer in clean glasses, in a pleasant bar environment and treat it with respect. 

"That is why people come to a pub, to get a perfect, consistent pint."

In joint second place were John and Geraldine Baker of The Ropemakers in Bridport and Simon Warry and Rachael Hampson at The Crown Inn on West Bay Road, Bridport. 

'Immensely proud'​

Palmers tenanted trade director Jayson Perfect said: "Consistency of every pint of our award-winning ale is paramount to the success of every pub up and down the country.

"‘At Palmers we feel that the product leaving the Brewery should be the same in quality as when it hits the lips of every customer out there - and we are lucky enough to have 55 licensees who feel the same way. 

"The Master Cellarman Award was launched to help our licensees maintain a operational, efficient, workable cellar that offers them the best opportunity to serve that perfect pint every time. 

"The team at Palmers are immensely proud of the first year’s winners and look forward to the next round starting shortly."