Hook Norton joins Cask Marque scheme

October 6, 2007: Oxfordshire brewer and pub operator Hook Norton has joined Cask Marque, the brewing industry accreditation scheme that aims to provides drinkers with a reassurance about the quality of the real ale being served to them.

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	l Hook Norton managing director James Clarke looks on as Cask Marque MD Paul Nunny tests the temperature of a pint of the brewer's beer

Hook Norton is nominating 12 of its licensees for the Cask Marque award. The licensees will be visited, unannounced, by an independent assessor twice a year, who will rigorously check on the quality of all the ales on sale. Those passing the audit will be able to display a Cask Marque plaque outside their pub. Licensees failing the audit will not receive the quality award.

In addition, as part of the process, Cask Marque has been engaged to undertake cellar management training, to give their staff wider product knowledge and a better understanding of best practice in the cellar.

Hook Norton currently operates more than 40 pubs across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

Managing director James Clarke said: “We are a family brewery that cares deeply about the success of the independent business people who run our pubs.

“Joining Cask Marque sends a positive message to consumers about the quality of the drinking experience that customers should enjoy in our pubs. For the licensees that run our pubs, Cask Marque provides the skills to ensure the excellent Hook Norton beers that we deliver to pubs will be still excellent when they are drunk by customers.

Cask Marque managing director Paul Nunny added: “It is great that Hook Norton, one of the country’s leading brewers, recognises the importance of working with its tenant business partners who run the pubs to provide an exceptional drink experience.

“Investing in staff training will increase sales and yields and the Cask Marque award will give customers a reassuring guarantee. We look forward to working closely with Hook Norton.”

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