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The Thoughts of Chairman Mick
by Mick Lewis
It seems that Bulmers, a company once proud of its ciders, are in deep financial trouble. Having lost an absolute fortune on its US operation, rumour has it that they may sell their Australian and New Zealand businesses in a deal with Fosters, and/or get rid of Beer Seller, their distribution company. At its worst, the whole company (still half-owned by the Bulmer family) could be put up for sale.
But hold your horses, a shining knight in armour has appeared in the shape of Miles Templeman, who has become their new boss. For those with long memories, Mr Templeman was the boss at Whitbread when CAMRA were at odds with them over their policy of closing breweries (among other things). These days, Bulmers seems more interested in rolling out an endless stream of new products which are here one minute and gone the next, and being a beer distributor than concentrating on what they should know best - cider! To me, an experience I had some years ago sums up Bulmers' attitude to cider. I was at the Pub, Club and Leisure Show, then the biggest of the trade shows, when I spotted the Bulmers' stand. Did I find any cider? All they had was a range of Newquay Steam Beers (they were distributing them) and a cider with no alcohol. To me, that said it all.
The Welsh Assembly has voted to ask Westminster for permission to ban smoking in any public place it decides is appropriate, which could, of course, include pubs. There is also a move in Ireland to ban smoking in all pubs and restaurants. This could easily be the death knell for many establishments, who would struggle to survive. So could I be so bold as to suggest that if breweries and pubcos had not been so quick to tear down the walls in their pubs and go open-plan, they would have separate bars or rooms to cater for everyone, including smokers.
On a far more serious note, I was recently at a gig at the Brixton Academy when a "discerning" lager drinker was heard at the bar, asking for pint of Red Stripe with a Heineken top. And I thought us Orient fans were sad.
And finally, we come to London Drinker festival once again. I will, as usual, be found behind the cider bar, where we will have our usual mix of favourites and unusual ciders and perries. You are, of course, welcome to say hello and buy me drink!
Mick Lewis
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 19.
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