Ancient Ale Role to Return to City of London
Spitalfields, London, UK - 11th May 2010 – London’s historic Old Spitalfields Market has announced it’s looking for a candidate to resurrect the ancient (and coveted) role of Ale Taster, a position that will have disappeared in the early nineteenth century. In medieval times, ordinary citizens were appointed to oversee and inspect various aspects of everyday life, effectively doing the work of our modern Inspectors of Weights and Measures. Not surprisingly, one of the most popular offices to be held was that of the Ale Taster also known as Ale Conner. His duties involved visiting stalls and inns on market days and during the town’s fairs to ensure that the ales, beers and other produce on sale were of good quality. “Ale Tasters would have been a familiar sight in London.” explains Malcolm Ball, chief executive of Wellington Market Company, the company responsible for Old Spitalfields Market. He added that he felt that the ancient office would still hold its value even centuries on. “Although the attraction of such a role may seem obvious at first, the 21st Century version would incorporate many more responsibilities than the original. Our ceremonial Ale Taster would become an ambassador for the promotion of drink and food in the area. Modern tastes have evolved and become so much more sophisticated in recent times and people demand ever greater levels of quality and variety.” “We fully expect this to be reflected in the calibre of applicants. “The successful candidate will have a sound knowledge of local, regional, national and international beers. He/she must be passionate and vocal about the subject, actively wanting to promote good drinks and food within the Spitalfields area. “It must be stated that although the role is voluntary, it obviously carries benefits!” One of the London Ale Taster judges, Pete Brown, leading beer writer and historian, whose books have charted the history of brewing and drinking, added: “There’s an unprecedented level of interest in great beer these days and a lot of that interest is coming from people who love locally sourced, flavourful, crafted food and drink of all types and don’t see why beer should be any exception. “This post should help spread the appreciation of beer even further and help turn more people on to the variety and depth of flavour in great beer – I think everyone is going to be surprised by how knowledgeable and passionate some of the applicants will be!” To apply, applicants need to submit a short, written application – of no more than one A4 page - explaining why they would be the best person for the ceremonial role. They need to be sent via email info@londonaletaster.co.uk or post to: Ale Taster Old Spitalfields Market 16 Horner Square Spitalfields London E1 6EW Rules and further information can be found at find out more at the website: http://www.londonaletaster.co.uk The closing date for entries is midnight on Sunday 23rd May 2010. Applicants need to be aged 18 or over and reside within the Greater London area. The submitted entries will be considered by a panel of judges and five lucky short-listed applicants will be notified and invited to an event that will be held on the 9th June 2010 in Old Spitalfields Market (1pm). The candidates will really have their knowledge tested by a number of different rounds. Blind-tasting will be the order of the day and contestants will be pitted against one another in a bid to claim the ceremonial role. The final round will consist of a one minute pitch to the panel of judges to demonstrate presentation skills. The event will also have a specialist beer market with a number of well-known brewers selling their wares, plus food and other beer-related stalls. The brewers will be invited to talk to the assembled audience, offering tasting notes and an insight into brewing ingredients and techniques. The beer market event opens with the normal market stalls at 9am and the competition commencing at 1.30pm. Old Spitalfields Market is a short walk from Liverpool Street Station and Aldgate East Tube – please visit http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com for further information. ENDS Notes for News Desk: (1) Applicants need to submit a short written application – of no more than one A4 page (via email or hard copy) explaining why they would be the best person for the ceremonial role. Email: info@londonaletaster.co.uk Postal Address: Ale Taster Old Spitalfields Market 16 Horner Square Spitalfields London E1 6EW (2) Entry Criteria The applicants must live within the Greater London area and would need to meet the following criteria: • Be over the age of 18 • Have a good knowledge of food and drink – ideally with a local angle… • Be passionate about the subject • Be an articulate speaker • Be comfortable with speaking to the media and in front of audiences. • Have a smart appearance – in terms of dress, grooming etc. • If short-listed, they will need to be able to attend the selection event in Old Spitalfields Market at 1pm on Wednesday 9th June 2010. (3)Timescales It is planned that the following timescales will be used, although the organisers do reserve the right to make changes as required. Closing Date for Entries – Entries must be received by midnight on Sunday 23rd May 2010. Entries after that time will not be considered. Short-Listing The shortlist will be drawn up shortly after the closing date and five candidates will be notified. Investiture – The final selection and investiture for the new Ceremonial Ale Taster will take place at an event at Old Spitalfields Market on Wednesday 9th June 2010. Further details of the event will be announced shortly. All five short-listed candidates will receive prizes.
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