Posted 11 06 2010 in:

Press Release

Ye Olde Ale-Tasting Ceremony

Diners in the Coach House Restaurant in Northgate Street were surprised on Wednesday lunchtime when Chester’s Town Criers, David and Julie Mitchell, loudly entered to perform ‘Ye Olde Ale-Tasting Ceremony’.

David Mitchell explained, ‘Town Criers historically acted as trading standards officers to ensure that landlords maintained the required standards of brewing and served full measures. It had come to our attention that the Coach House, in conjunction with Daniel Thwaites Brewery, has revived the Town Crier Ale in honour of the forthcoming World Town Crier Tournament, so we agreed with the landlord to perform the ceremony.’

A representative of Thwaites Brewery, David Midwinter, was on hand to view proceedings. The landlord, Neil Owens, was relieved to hear the official verdict loudly proclaimed:

‘The Ale-Tasters have tasted thine ale and pronounced it good. We do commend thee for keeping a fine house and serving a fine brew. Good people, the ale has been tasted and found to be wholesome and fit for human consumption. Landlord we give thee this evergreen sprig to hang over the portals of thy door so that all wayfarers will know that thine ales be good, fit even for a town crier to quench his thirst. God Save the Queen!’

The Coach House is supporting the Chester World Town Crier Tournament by opening its doors to the criers and escorts after the first full day of competition, on Tuesday 15 June, and serving a traditional pub meal, consisting of locally-sourced produce. This round, which will also be a self-contained competition with its own winners, will take place in Town Hall Square, starting at 11am. The Coach House has arranged for the Thwaites’ prize-winning Shire Dray Horses to be in attendance during the afternoon, arriving at 1pm.

Neil Owens said, ‘We are pleased to be supporting this colourful event, and also to act as a hub for the town criers and escorts during the week. We look forward to offering traditional British hospitality to the world’s town criers, and helping to slake their thirsts with our Town Crier Ale, especially now that it has the official seal of approval.’

The Town Crier’s 2010 World Tournament kicks off this Monday.

Contact Neil Owens: 01244 351900; David Mitchell: 01244 311736