St Albans pub given national seal of approval

Fuller’s Brewery awarded The Garibaldi on Albert Street both the Pride and Passion and the Master Cellarman Awards last week (June 27), after judging more than 350 pubs across the country.

To get the cellarman award, pubs have to consistently score highly in assessments throughout the year - The Garibaldi came third last year, and seventh in 2015, working their way towards the top goal.

The quality, cleanliness, and temperature of the cellars goes towards getting the prize.

Landlords Dave and Caroline Beale described the pub as a family affair, with lots of help from their son, Micheal Beale, and barman Matthew Sutton.

The team were presented with a certificate, an engraved hand-pull shaped trophy to keep for a year, their name on a plaque, and the chance to judge other pubs in next year’s competition.

Caroline said: “I am delighted, especially for my husband.

“He works so hard in the cellar and it’s nice to get appreciation for his hard work.”

The married team were in the completely separate professions of law and MOT testing when they took over the pub seven years ago.

Dave added: “I am elated, it’s quite a big thing in Fuller’s programme because we are up against managed pubs which are beautiful.

“I am stunned, it’s fantastic.”

It was announced in London’s Herne Hill at an awards ceremony.

Fuller’s describe the award as an accolade: “The Master Cellarman accolade rewards exceptional cellar standards and brilliant beer-keeping.

“It’s a mark of premium quality that you can rely on – and it’s not a title we give away lightly.

“To earn the honour, pubs must score 90 per cent or more in four consecutive assessments, with marks easily lost for even the slightest smear on a pint glass.”

The Garibaldi serves ESB, London Pride, (Gales) HSB, (Gales) Seafares and two guest ales.

Fuller’s began in 1845 Chiswick, London, as an independent regional brewer by John Bird Fuller, Henry Smith, and John Turner.