When you work in Burton-on-Trent – with its proud history of brewing – you have more reason that most journalists to take a keen interest in beer. And when the Burton Mail’s Andy Tilley took a swipe at Wolverhampton & Dudley’s treatment of the famous Marston’s Pedigree cask ale, tempers flared at brewery headquarters and a right of reply was demanded. In the interests of balanced journalism, Andy agreed to meet W&D – over a pint at his local. Read on and discover what happened when Tilley met the brewers …

Tense faces at the start of the meeting, left to right: W&D marketing director John Steel, journalist Andy Tilley and Marston’s head brewer Paul Bayley

“I’d like a word please … and so would some of my colleagues.”

Suffice to say Monday morning’s phone call was not unexpected and the gist of it went something like the following.

“Hello, is that Andy Tilley? Jeremy Eaton here, Wolverhampton and Dudley.”

“Hello Jeremy, are you well?”

“Well I was until half-an-hour ago when I read your piece in the Burton Mail.”

The article in question was my personal review of the 21st Burton Beer Festival, staged at the Town Hall and in which were contained some pretty sharp stabs at the Bass hierarchy who I, and others, hold responsible for several years’ neglect of the once-great Draught Bass.

What’s more, it was clearly an opinion shared by the Burton CAMRA branch which decided the brew did not deserve an invitation to the festival. A black day indeed.

There were also a couple of hard-hitting observations on W&D’s treatment of Marstons’s Pedigree as well as an accusation, after a quick straw poll to ensure I was not a voice shouting on my own, to the effect Wolverhampton brewery’s board viewed Burton’s favourite ale was merely just another brand among several in their portfolio.

“Well Jeremy, if you feel strongly about it, the traditional response is to write a letter to the editor and we’ll …”

“Never mind letters to the editor. What’s your local? Does it serve Pedi? Right, Wednesday night. Me, you, our marketing director and the Marston’s head brewer.”

“Fine, fine.”

What took place at Stapenhill’s Boathouse fell well short of all-out confrontation, but was certainly what I suppose diplomats would describe as a “frank exchange of views.”

I, on the other hand, shall describe it as a discussion which lasted nigh on two hours and turned out to be something of an education. The language was often blunt; indeed, sometimes expletives were used, and the table was even banged on one occasion.

Good for marketing man John Steel who worked for Marston’s until W&D’s hostile takeover was successful; it’s refreshing for someone to care.

The man from the Mail was left in no doubt as to the strength of feelings aroused.

“Pedigree has not been relegated to just ‘one among many’. I’m telling you Marston’s Pedigree is our premier brand,” John said with feeling.

“We are totally committed to Pedigree, it’s our flagship brand, and that’s why we become upset and frustrated when people (I strongly suspect he meant me) are simply not prepared to recognise the massive efforts we put in.

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