“Andy has quickly established himself as an important and supportive member of the beer community in Chester through his work establishing the Chester Beer Appreciation Society (CBAS). He has done a great deal in a short space of time to raise awareness of good beer amongst drinkers within the city, and has rapidly established an excellent network of suppliers and publicans. He has effectively and efficiently leveraged this network to the mutual benefit of CBAS members and a number of on-trade venues. Andy’s approach is refreshingly enthusiastic and he has a clear passion for what he does. Recently we worked together to organise an event at Kash Tap Rooms in Chester. Throughout the process, Andy was organised and disciplined, but also good fun to work with. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending Andy’s work. He would be an asset to any organisation.”
Ben Hodgkinson, Account Manager, James Clay Beers
April 4, 2012
“I first worked with Andy when he offered to organise a #twissup event in Chester for me. I found him to be friendly, professional and motivated. He outlined a plan for the event and, once agreed, he set to work making everything happen. Liaising with multiple venues, Andy created a full menu of different experiences for the guests and was always on hand to give advice and help if needed. Throughout the event which was some seven hours long, Andy was always on top of the situation ensuring that everyone had whatever they needed and that all the venues involved catered for the guests as required. I was thoroughly impressed with his practical organisational and logistical skills but more so with how he combined these with his personable manner and with great customer service techniques. I would not hesitate to work with him again and hope to do so in the near future.”
Simon Williams, Head of the Campaign for Really Good Beer
17 July, 2012
“I’ve known Andy as a regular customer pretty much since the shop opened in 2005. Through CBAS he has been very supportive of Chester Beer & Wine via his blog and twitter, and I was more than happy at his suggestion that he host a beer tasting night at the shop for my customers and his fellow CBAS members. The night was a great success and all customers went away delighted with the £15 ticket price well spent. Andy chose a great range of beers from our selection and spoke about them knowledgeably, and more importantly, interestingly. My customers enjoyed themselves and from a retailing point of view, bought quite a lot of stuff at the end too! We are already planning our Christmas tasting – need I say more?”
Samantha Jackson, Owner, Chester Beer & Wine
18 July, 2012
I have had the pleasure of working with Andy and CBAS on numerous occasions including pub tours, CBAS meetings and tasting events. I can’t imagine Chester without CBAS.
Alex Haycraft, Headbrewer, Blueball Brewery / Owner, Kash Tap Rooms
18 July, 2012
Andy first hosted a CBAS event at the Pied Bull back in January, bringing added custom to my business in a very quiet period. Since then he has held at least 3 social events in the Pied Bull and is currently helping us organise a beer festival. His events are well organised and very enjoyable. He is a pleasure to work with and CBAS is a breath of fresh air to the beer scene, and he is quickly building a fan-base for his events. I would recommend Andy in a heart beat. We are already beginning to plan our next event together.
Luke Smith, General Manager, The Pied Bull Inn
07 Sept, 2012
I think in such a short time, CBAS has made a huge difference to the city’s drinking scene. People who are passionate about good beer have been introduced to places such as the Cellar and the Artichoke. On the other hand, it’s helped open many peoples eyes to some new products rather than always opting for a generic Joe Lager.
Long may they continue!
Dave Swift, Manager, The Cellar
08 Sept, 2012
Andy has been actively promoting and supporting the purveyors of good and interesting beers for some time now. His work developing the CBAS concept has really hit the spot and has created a really vibrant alternative beer community to CAMRA. Diligent, articulate, urbane, funny and with the ability to not take himself too seriously, he has given Chester a beery life that would now be sorely missed.
I always look forward to working with him and wish him all the success he deserves.
Chester Beer Appreciation Society (CBAS) 