The view from the coast

This issue, we have a few words with Jonathan Adnam chairman of Suffolk-based Adnams brewery

How did you first get involved in beer?

I was somewhat of a wayward youth and after leaving school at 16 spent time commercial fishing and delivering lifeboats for the RNLI around the United Kingdom. Having been encouraged to join the family firm as a brewery engineer apprentice everything clicked into place. I went back to college and became part of the team that refurbished the Adnams brewhouse back in the late 1970s.

What is fashionable in beer at the moment?

We’ve seen an explosion of exciting brands from around the world arrive into the UK reinvigorating what has become a very staid and boring mainstream offer.

Innovative retailers with new bar concepts are looking for that next exciting beer with a difference to satisfy increasing demand from their customers. Adnams’ response to this has been to develop Spindrift – a modern English beer chilled and filtered beer served at 5°c.

What do you think we’ll be drinking in 5 years’ time?

I’ve no idea what everyone else will be drinking, but in England I’ll be having a pint of Adnams Bitter – why change a habit of a lifetime? However, when I’m in Lithuania it will be half a litre of Svyturys Extra.

What’s the best thing about working in the beer business?

Besides the obvious, I have met a wide range of interesting people in different venues around the world with a common theme of good beer and conversation.

What has been your biggest contribution to the beer business?

Playing a part in the development of the Adnams brand and developing a great team of people at Adnams who contribute greatly to the company’s success. Having the opportunity to completely renew the Adnams brewery over the past five years, creating one of Europe’s most modern and energy efficient breweries.

What has been your best beer memory?

Too many occasions to highlight just one. But if pushed… a beer, water and a wow sunset.

At a glance

Favourite company beer?
Adnams Bitter

Favourite non-company beer?
Svyturys-from the oldest brewery in Lithuania

Favourite beer and food combo?
Chilled Adnams bottled Explorer and my famous homemade pizza

Favourite place to enjoy a beer?
The Lord Nelsons. I cycle to the ‘Nelly in Southwold and sail to the ‘Nelly in Ipswich

By Jonathan Adnam

Section : Last Shout

Page number : 74