Novelist Ruth Ware to curate Harrogate crime writing festival

Novelist Ruth Ware has been named as festival programming chair for next year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate.

The festival, organised by the charity Harrogate International Festivals, is hailed as the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of crime fiction.

Held next year from July 18 to 21 at the Old Swan, the festival regularly attracts some of the world’s most popular crime and thriller writers to Harrogate.

Ms Ware, whose books have sold six million copies, follows in the footsteps of the likes of Ian Rankin, Elly Griffiths, Denise Mina, Lee Child, Val McDermid and Vaseem Khan.

Her 2015 debut thriller In a Dark, Dark Wood, about a bachelorette party gone disastrously wrong, was a Richard and Judy Choice, and a Sunday Times and New York Times top ten bestseller.

Since then, her novels have appeared on bestseller lists and been optioned for both film and TV, including her latest thriller Zero Days which was selected by Universal International Studios.

Ms Ware, who lives near Brighton, said:

“When I first began writing, one of my most cherished dreams was a panel at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

“To be invited to chair the festival is truly an honour I could never have imagined – and it’s been my privilege and delight to work alongside the phenomenal programming committee to create a programme that showcases the strength, diversity and sheer literary inventiveness of our brilliant and bloody craft.

“From writers I’ve admired for years to newcomers I’ve been thrilled to discover – I can’t wait to share it with you all.”

Simon Theakston, of Masham brewery T&R Theakston Ltd, which has been the festival title sponsor since 2005, added:

“I’m delighted that such a talented writer as Ruth Ware is taking on the role of festival programming chair.”

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Business Breakfast: Theakston Old Peculier returns to the US after ten-year gap 

Are you already thinking of how to reward your employees this Christmas? Why not choose the Harrogate Gift Card?

The Harrogate Gift Card can be spent in over 100 businesses in Harrogate town centre including retail, hospitality and leisure, whilst keeping the spend locked into the local economy.

Complete a corporate bulk order of over £250 and receive 15% discount from November 1 to 15 with the code ‘HGT15’.

Masham-based brewer T&R Theakston is to make its Old Peculier ale available in the United States for the first time in ten years. 

The ale has a strong following in the US after first being shipped there in 1976, and at one point was the third most imported British beer, with around 40 pallets exported every month. But the company stopped shipping to the States in 2013 due to the massive growth of foreign imported beers and the domestic craft scene.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director of T&R Theakston, said:

“With the market now settling down and the tried-and-tested imported beer brands coming once again to the fore, now is exactly the right time to return to a much admired and very enthusiastic consumer market once again.”  

Believed to have been first brewed in the early 19th century, Theakston Old Peculier is the most recognisable brand of the family-run company which has been brewing in Masham for almost 200 years.

The brewery is working with New York importer and wholesaler Iron Horse Beverages to reintroduce Old Peculier to the US market with a view to expanding its footprint in the coming years. Exports are to restart this month when the first consignment of kegs, 440ml cans and bottles arrive in New York State to be distributed throughout the Eastern Seaboard. 

Mr Theakston added:

“We are looking forward to reconnecting with loyal Old Peculier fans throughout the US, whilst introducing our rich brewing heritage to a new audience of ale lovers.”

New finance director at Northern 

Train operator Northern has appointed Richard Hinds as its finance director. 

A former CFO of global tech distributor Exertis, Mr Hinds has also held senior roles with Flogas Britain Plc and Speedy Hire Plc. In his new role, he will oversee a broad range of corporate services. 

Northern, the UK’s second largest train operator, runs Harrogate and Knaresborough stations and provides local passenger train services. 

Mr Hinds said:

“I’m looking forward to working with the team at Northern and contributing to our vision to make a positive impact for the North, getting our customers where they need to be, safely, affordably and on time.”

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Business Breakfast: Goldsborough Hall appoints new Head Chef

Goldsborough Hall hotel in Knaresborough has appointed Daniel Ife as the hotel’s new Head Chef.

He joined the team over six years ago and helped the previous head chefs achieve a 3AA rosette and a feature in the Michelin guide.

Owner of Goldsborough Hall, Mark Oglesby said:

“Behind the scenes, Daniel has been running the kitchens at Goldsborough Hall now for many years, so we are very proud that he has finally agreed to take on the role of Head Chef.

“Over the many years he has been with us he has demonstrated passion and creativity which has helped to win us many prestigious awards.

“With his wealth of experience and innovative approach, we are confident that Daniel will continue to lead our dining experience to new heights.’

Mr Ife added:

“My style is seasonally driven, using modern techniques and styles with a classic French undertone.

“It is a real privilege to create dishes that befit the majesty of the hall’s historic dining room, where former Kings and Queens have dined.”

Masham brewery secures listings in 100 M&S stores across UK

 T&R Theakston, in Masham, has secured a listing to supply Theakston Old Peculier ale to 100 M&S stores across the UK.

The brewery has seen a value growth of 4.5% in the Off Trade market versus a bottle ale market decline of 6%.

Following the deal with M&S, the ale is now stocked in all UK major supermarket chains.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director, said:

“Theakston Old Peculier is a flagship beer for us and for the town of Masham, with its name a tribute to the unique ecclesiastical status of the town as a ‘Court of the Peculier’, first established in medieval times.

“It’s great to see the continued growth in popularity Old Peculier underpinning its status as one of the country’s most well-known and loved ales.

“As a result of this new M&S listing, it’s fantastic to be able say this beautiful brew is now listed in all UK major supermarkets, meaning that fans have the opportunity to enjoy the taste of Old Peculier from both their local pub and within the comfort of their own home.”

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Business Breakfast: Ripon curry restaurant named among best in England

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is an after work drinks event on Thursday, August 31 at The West Park Hotel in Harrogate between 5-7pm. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Jaflong restaurant in Ripon has been named as one of the top 10 Bangladeshi restaurants in the country.

The venue on Kirkgate was a finalist in the English Curry Awards 2023 in Birmingham on Monday.

The awards, which were held for the 12th time, celebrate the best curry houses and chefs.

Jaflong was a finalist in the category for Bangladeshi restaurant of the year.  

Owner Salauddin Khan said:

“We are incredibly proud to have our restaurant recognised in these national awards. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and gave us excellent reviews!”

Masham brewery begins online tour bookings

T&R Theakston has begun providing online bookings for tours to its Masham visitor centre – the Black Bull In Paradise.

The tours enable cask ale and beer lovers to go behind the scenes of the near 200-year old brewery and sample its core range of ales.

The brewery’s visitor centre is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Saturday and holds guided one-hour tours throughout the day.

Bookings can be made here.

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Masham brewery Theakston returns to profit

Masham brewery T&R Theakston has reported a return to profitability in its annual report and accounts for the year ending December 31, 2022.

The family-controlled business, which has been brewing beers in Masham for almost 200 years, recorded a pre-tax profit of £18,000 for the period, compared with a £2,000 loss the previous year.

Turnover increased by 14% to £6.7 million in the same period, despite what the accounts note as a third successive year “affected by external events”.

Staff numbers grew from 28 to 30 and dividend payments to shareholders rose from zero to £100,000.

Fellow Masham firm Black Sheep Brewery was sold by administrators to London investment firm Breal Group for £5 million in May in a pre-packaged deal that left creditors owed £3 million.

Black Sheep’s sales fell from £19 million in 2019 to £14 million last year, which resulted in a £1.6 million loss, with the company blaming covid and sudden rising costs.

Theakston’s accounts highlight the difficulties facing brewers, which include a 40% increase in barley prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The company said it ceased all trade with Russia, which was its largest export market, following the invasion.

Covid, inflation and the cost of living crisis have also hit the sector hard.

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The report’s strategic review by the directors said:

“We were forced to pass most of these cost increases on in higher prices, but pricing in the off trade did not fully recover the increased costs and hence margins in this channel were squeezed.

“While customers have been largely understanding, consumers have squeezed disposable incomes. Our pubs customers are caught between increased supplier costs, increased running costs of their own and less affluent consumers, so we are very mindful of keeping price increases to the minimum we can afford.”

Theakston has changed its sales model by broadening its supply routes to the on trade and by spreading its interests beyond beer by launching a cider and whisky as well as new ales.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director of T&R Theakston, said:

“With a healthy balance sheet and secure financial arrangements, we remain focused on growing our revenue and are excited about some of the upcoming opportunities to forge new partnerships and bring innovative new products to market.

“We have made a good start to the year and, as a result, the board of directors is confident that as trading conditions continue to improve and the economy stabilises, we will see a steady improvement towards pre-pandemic levels of profitability.”

Masham businesses fear impact if troubled Black Sheep Brewery closes

As Masham celebrated the King’s Coronation, people in the small market town have spoken of hopes a buyer can be found for the Black Sheep Brewery.

Last week, Black Sheep announced administrators had been appointed after being “hit very hard” by the pandemic and a rise in costs.

The company, which employs around 50 members of staff, was founded in 1992 and has become a tourist hotspot bringing a significant amount of footfall to the town.

One local business owner told the Stray Ferret people are worried about a potential loss of income for their own businesses if the brewery doesn’t survive.

Tim Ledbetter, owner of Bentley’s of Masham, said:

“With it being such a big employer, there is then a big knock-on effect.

“We get a lot of trade from visitors of Black Sheep — it could be detrimental.”

The brewery reported turnover of £14.3 million as of March 31, 2022, according to its most recent accounts. However, it also stated a pre-tax loss of £1.18 million, compared to £862,871 profit in the previous year.

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Reports of  interest from several potential buyers has given some cause for cautious optimism.

Emily Swift, an employee of Through the Looking Glass, said:

“People were definitely concerned, but talks of a possible buyer has eased worries.”

A confirmed acquisition or sale has not yet been confirmed, and Teneo remains in place as the brewery’s financial adviser.

 

Business Breakfast: T&R Theakston toasts King Charles III with coronation beer

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The fourth in our series of networking events, with Banyan Bar & Kitchen, is a breakfast event on April 27 from 8am.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

T&R Theakston is to launch a special edition beer, brewed in honour of King Charles III.

Crowning Glory is a 4.2% ABV speciality regal gold beer and continues the brewery’s tradition of creating limited edition ales to celebrate royal occasions.

It joins a distinguished lineage including Celebration Ale, which marked Elizabeth II’s silver jubilee in 1977 and most recently, Royal Salute which commemorated the diamond and platinum Jubilees in 2012 and 2022.

Simon Theakston, joint managing director at Theakston Brewery, said:

“As a brewery we’re immensely proud of our almost 200-year heritage and it’s fascinating to consider that as a business we have been witness to nine monarchs and seven coronations. It’s only right we continue the honourable tradition of celebrating these key historic moments for our country by creating a special beer to mark the coronation of King Charles III on 6th May.”

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Chamber holds business safari event

Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce is to hold its regular Business Safari this evening.

The event at the Pavilions of Harrogate is a “speed business networking” session with gives members an opportunity to showcase their business to others and make new contacts.

The session starts at 5.30pm.  Admission is free to book a place click here. 

 

Programme revealed for Harrogate’s crime writing festival

Harrogate International Festivals has announced the full programme for the 2022 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.

The four-day event offers the chance to discover the next big names in crime fiction and hear giants of the genre discuss their work. It includes panels, workshops and talks.

The line-up has been curated by this year’s festival chair, the novelist Denise Mina.

Special guests headlining the festival include crime fiction authors Lynda La Plante, Paula Hawkins, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Connelly, Lucy Foley, Charlie Higson, John Connolly, CL Taylor and Kathy Reichs.

Other speakers set to appear include broadcaster and crime fiction debut author, Rev Richard Coles, comedian Frankie Boyle and TV chef Rosemary Shrager.

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This year’s programme will also feature two author dinners, attended by popular crime and thriller writers including: politician and debut novelist Alan Johnson, author Andrew Hunter Murray and bestselling thriller writer Syd Moore.

The festival runs from July 21-24 at Harrogate’s Old Swan Hotel.

Sharon Canavar, chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce the programme for this year’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. Denise has done a wonderful job curating a line-up which demonstrates the amazing breadth of crime fiction writing and points to an exciting future for the genre.

“We can’t wait to hear all these brilliant speakers take to the stage and share their insights, stories and predictions of what lies ahead for crime fiction and thriller writing!”

For more information visit HIF’s website.

Beer barrel maker graduates in rare and peculiar Masham ceremony

A curious tradition dating back seven centuries took place in Masham today when, for the first time in a generation, an apprentice barrel maker became a cooper.

Euan Findlay, who started work at Theakston Brewery five years ago, was centre stage for the historic ‘trussing in’ ceremony.

Fellow coopers from across the country gathered in Masham to witness Mr Findlay’s coronavirus-delayed initiation into the Federation of Coopers.

The event, which dates back to the 14th century, last took place more than 20 years ago. It rarely happens because Theakston is one of only two breweries in the UK to still have an in-house barrel maker.

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Most breweries opt for the more modern steel containers these days but Theakston still uses the traditional wooden barrel for its Old Peculier beer.

Starting with the “ringing of axes” the coopers got the barrel into shape with hammers and metal rings before placing Mr Findlay inside.

The last trussing in ceremony happened more than 20 years ago.

They then poured beer and any rubbish lying around over his head before placing the barrel on its side and rolling him around while still inside.

Apprentice Mr Findlay was then unceremoniously sacked in front of a crowd before being immediately re-employed as a fully-qualified cooper.

To celebrate the ritual, the brewery launched Stave Bender, a new pale ale. Mr Findlay had the honour of pouring the first pint.

Talking to the Stray Ferret after the ordeal, he said:

“It was very, very hot to start with. Then it got very loud as they started hammering. They then chucked the rubbish in so it got very cold and messy.

“When they started rolling it around like a washing machine I was just trying to brace for dear life. But now I am onto the next stage of my career.

“The plan now is for me to get an apprentice and pass this tradition onto the next generation.”

Simon Theakston, the joint managing director of TR Theakston Ltd, told the Stray Ferret:

“Well you have watched a very unique and rare ceremony. So now he has finished his apprenticeship his fellow coopers give him a tough old time.

“This is a rite of passage. We are very proud of making our excellent beer and making the casks that it goes into.”

Continuing the best-known name in the Harrogate district

There are few better known names in the Harrogate district than Theakston.

Robert Theakston started brewing beer in Masham in 1827 and his great-great grandson Simon continues the tradition today.

Simon is joint managing director of T & R Theakston, one of two major breweries in the picturesque market town. His cousin, Paul, is in charge of the other one — Black Sheep Brewery.

Despite his strong Masham connections, Mr Theakston is well placed to appraise recent developments in the wider Harrogate district: he lives near Boroughbridge, went to school in Harrogate and represented the Conservatives on Harrogate Borough Council for four terms. He was also chairman of Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the agricultural charity that organises the Great Yorkshire Show, from 2008 to 2016.

But nothing in his long career prepared him for the potentially ruinous overnight impact of covid when the first lockdown began in March. He says;

“We had cellars full of beer that people couldn’t buy and ended up pouring it away.

“Overnight we lost 80% of business. That required us to rethink our business model, baton down the hatches and put ourselves in a position where we could survive as long as possible.”

The furlough scheme saved jobs and the company rapidly converted its visitor centre at the brewery into a fulfilment centre for online orders — something a company that prides itself on tradition had not overly pursued until then. He says:

“Online orders have gone up by a factor of 100, albeit from a modest base.”

Family tradition

The visitor centre is due to reopen on June 21 if the lingering restrictions on pubs are lifted. Monday’s decision will be critical for the industry. Mr Theakston, who is married with two grown-up children, says:

“It’s nice having people going into gardens and seated at tables but it’s much better when people can move freely in pubs.”

Nevertheless, so far the company has survived covid with its 35 staff still intact. It seems a surprisingly low number of employees for an organisation that sells into 20 countries but the business model involves collaborating with other firms, such as Heineken, which handles distribution.

Mr Theakston describes the company as “a medium-sized traditional family brewing company.” And, for all the difficulties of the past year, he remains optimistic.

“Our industry has been through difficulties in the past. We’ve come through two world wars, revolution in Europe, the great crash of the 1930s and all sorts of issues since the Second World War and it just goes to show the robustness of what we do.

“As long as individuals want to meet other people, the role of the pub will continue to be the centre of society.”

Local politics

The future for Harrogate Borough Council, however, is less secure. The local authority, on which he represented Harlow Moor until 2018, is set to be abolished as part of the national government’s devolution agenda. Mr Theakston supports the single council model for North Yorkshire championed by North Yorkshire County Council rather than the east-west split favoured by his former council colleagues in Harrogate. He explains:

“North Yorkshire County Council currently provides about 80% of our services so it wouldn’t be a massive change for it to pick up the pieces. I’m not a fan of lots of layers of bureaucracy.”

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Harrogate Borough Council is pursuing numerous active travel plans, such as the £7.9m Station Gateway project and the pedestrianisation of James Street, to reduce traffic and encourage people to walk and cycle. The plans have proved controversial — does he support them?

“I don’t want to see Harrogate being completely pedestrianised because it will end up like any other town in the country. The idea of being able to pop into town is appealing to people like the elderly. Let’s have a bit of pedestrianisation but not lose the ability to drive into town.

“Harrogate’s such a special town and everything we did during my time on the council was to maintain it as special.”

It has been a difficult year for another organisation close to Mr Theakston’s heart — Yorkshire Agricultural Society — which decided to proceed with the Great Yorkshire Show next month when many other events have been cancelled. Was he surprised?

“The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is nothing if not pragmatic. They will be responding to the demands of exhibitions and members of the public who want to go. It’s more than an agricultural show — it’s our county show.”

Crime and cricket

The Theakston name has also become synonymous with the annual crime writing festival organised by the arts charity Harrogate International Festivals. Under its sponsorship, the festival brings many of the leading names of the genre to the town each year.

Arts and brewing may seem an unlikely match but Mr Theakston talks of beer “providing the social lubricant that lets people enjoy being with other people” and the ventures the company supports also encourage people to mingle convivially.

Recently it has also sponsored poet Ben Taylor, also known as Yorkshire Prose, to wax lyrical about the a pint being a metaphor for social interaction.

Mr Theakston is a huge cricket lover so it’s perhaps no coincidence his company sponsors the Nidderdale Amateur Cricket League and the annual National Village Cup in which some 340 villages compete for the chance to play in the final at Lord’s.

It’s little wonder the name Theakston perhaps vies with Bettys as the most well known in the district — and at least we know for certain the Theakstons exist.

There was a time when its familiarity may have faded. The family relinquished control of the business in the 1990s before buying it back in 2003, and Mr Theakston pledges it will remain in the family, in the heart of Masham.

Can he foresee the day when the business no longer consumes his professional life?

“I haven’t thought too much about when I retire. It’s still a huge passion.”