Since 1997 Cask Marque has been ensuring that the cask ale you drink in pubs in the UK has been in perfect condition. Their qualified assessors make over 20,000 visits to pubs each year in England, Scotland, Wales, Europe and even America to check the temperature, appearance, aroma and taste of Britain’s favourite drink.
Recently, Cask Marque together with SALSA and in consultation with SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) launched a brewery accreditation scheme for regional and local breweries… and Langham Brewery is one of only 4 in the country chosen to be involved. The scheme has taken two years to develop, and also calls on the expertise of Mitchells & Butlers to represent the on-trade of the scheme’s steering group, and Waitrose who represent the off-trade.
The accreditation scheme (to be known as the SALSA Plus Beer Scheme) is part of Cask Marque’s “Grain to Glass” initiative to improve quality covering “ breweries, supply chain management, cellars and of course, beer in the glass.” It demonstrates to buyers that the breweries they use are committed to quality, consistency and legality in the production of their brews.
Lesley, co-owner of the brewery with James Berrow, commented “When we were offered the chance to pilot the new SALSA plus Beer module we jumped at it. It enhances the core SALSA standard and benefits, by ensuring all aspects of the brewing process comply with best practice and can be proved to do so, not only at a moment in time but as a continuous programme of assessment and improvement”.
”The SALSA plus Beer Module has not been an easy certification to achieve, but the hard work has been worth it. It has improved our business process and workflow and given us a greater confidence and pride in what we do. But more importantly, it lets our customers and potential customers know we brew ale they can enjoy and whose quality they can trust and promote with confidence”.
Langham Brewery, are honoured to be part of the scheme and to work alongside these incredible and inspiring companies. Not only can they brewery say they ‘produce tasty traditional artisan and award winning ales to the highest standards’ – gaining SALSA plus Beer now means they can prove it!