Candice Brown challenges (left to right) Andrew Griffiths MP, Lord Philip Smith and Stonegate chairman Ian Payne to a Parliamentary ‘whisk off’
Sara Barton, of Brewster’s Brewery, has been named brewer of the year by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG).
The presentation was made at the group’s annual awards dinner in Westminster, which attracted more than 200 MPs, Peers and senior industry figures.
There were lifetime achievement awards for beer educators Annabel Smith and Jane Peyton, and special awards for Colin Valentine and Tim Page, who have recently stepped down as chairman and chief executive, respectively, of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield, was named pub Parliamentarian of the year, while the PubAid award went to the Stonegate Pub Company.
Beer drinker of the year
Great British Bake-Off winner, Candice Brown, was named beer drinker of the year, for using her celebrity to encourage young people working in the pub and hospitality sector.
Mike Wood MP, chairman of the APPBG, said: “Candice shot to fame winning Bake Off by creating a replica of her parents’ pub in gingerbread — complete with a sticky carpet. She remembers how her mum used to cook pub grub for the customers and that’s the kind of food she still loves…
Candice came to the House of Commons for a reception for apprentices from the brewing and pub sector that was hosted by Andrew Griffiths MP, the Minister for Small Business.
“She told the participants how she learned to cook in the pub, and picked up so many other important life skills too.”
