Tap Room Chat Nov 20

It has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the brewing industry and the first day of England’s second lockdown was not a cause for celebration. Nevertheless, our members were in good spirits at our latest Tap Room Chat on Thursday 5 November, enjoying a pint with friends and colleagues, even if it was in a virtual environment.

Over the last several months, the Company has been determined to find a way to maintain the hugely valuable social interaction between its members, which is central to its mission. Brewers’ Hall offers a friendly environment to meet acquaintances and colleagues from the industry and the Brewers’ Company is unique among livery companies in only admitting directors and senior managers from its industry as members. The Tap Room Chat series of virtual events was instigated after lockdown began in March in order to continue to “foster social contact within the brewing industry and associated organisations”, one of the Company’s objectives. Members who attend the events are able to spend time chatting in smaller groups with fellow Liverymen as they would have done at a lunch or dinner event at Brewers’ Hall.

In addition to allowing members to keep in touch, November’s event was also an opportunity for them to hear about some of the Company’s charitable work which has been ongoing throughout lockdown. James Fowler, Headmaster of Aldenham School which is supported by the Brewers’ Company, reported on the school’s response to the lockdown, the impact on the pupils and the hard work of both staff and students to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on their education. Liveryman Clive Strowger, who chairs the Advisory Committee to the Dame Alice Owen Foundation, then reported on some of the Foundation’s work this year. The Foundation, which supports Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar and educational programmes in Islington, relies on income from investments and a property estate in Islington, which has been severely impacted by COVID-19. Clive commended the beneficiaries for their hard work in adapting programmes to accommodate the reduced funds available in coming years, while continuing to ensure that educational outcomes are delivered.

We are looking forward to our next Tap Room Chat: The Brewers’ Company Christmas Party which will take place on Thursday 10 December.