Beer lovers across the country raised a glass in a celebration of the nation’s favourite tipple on the first Beer Day Britain – including staff at Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame.
The national ‘cheers to beer’ took place at 12.15pm on Monday, June 15, chosen as it was the date in 1215 that the Magna Carta was sealed, the historic document which established the rule of law and also defined the traditional pint of ale: “There shall be but one Measure throughout the Realm”.
Beer Day Britain’s organisers started a trend on Twitter with the hashtag #CheersBDB and photos of people raising their beer glass.
Shepherd Neame joined in the celebrations, with staff at the brewery in Faversham, Kent, gathering for a communal toast. Licensees and managers at pubs across its estate also rang their Last Orders bells at 12.15pm and encouraged customers to raise a glass to Beer Day Britain.
Its brewers also created a commemorative beer for the occasion. A traditional strong English ale, 1215 (8% abv) is infused with medieval ale ingredients from the hedgerow such as Mugwort, Yarrow, Woodruff and Fennel, which were used before hops became proliferant.
It is presented in a traditional amber 750ml bottle, embossed with the Shepherd Neame crook. Only 1,215 bottle-conditioned beers have been released, each encased within a presentation box bearing the signature approval of brewery president Robert Neame. It is exclusively available from the brewery shop and online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “We were delighted to support the first Beer Day Britain. We feel it is important to make people proud of Britain’s beer and pubs, and help raise the profile of beer as Britain’s national drink.”
For more information visit www.beerdaybritain.co.uk, or follow @BeerDayBritain on Twitter.
