Craft Beer Education & Consultancy
Martin grew up in the UK and became a member of CAMRA shortly after leaving university in
1992. He moved to London and became an active member of the West Middlesex
branch, including helping to organise the Ealing Beer Festival on several
occasions. He undertook cellarman's training at Fuller's brewery in Chiswick and helped to
run a theatre bar in Ealing, resulting in it getting into the Good Beer Guide.
On moving to New Zealand in 2007 Martin
joined SOBA (the Society of Beer
Advocates), later being elected to the national committee and acting as the
Auckland representative for several years. He took up homebrewing
shortly after his arrival in the country and is still a keen all-grain brewer. He
acted as head steward at the National Homebrew Competition in 2010 and has won
several medals himself. In 2012 he led the organisation of the first City Of
Ales beer festival in Auckland, which was a great success. He has also worked
at and/or attended every Beervana since 2009.
Martin is passionate about the craft beer industry in New
Zealand and wants to share that passion with you. He can be contacted by email
at martin.bridges@mandab.com.
In February 2013 the Brewers
Guild of New Zealand launched the first formal qualification in craft beer
in New Zealand, the Certificate
in the Craft of Beer. This one-day workshop covers three NZQA Unit Standards:
·
Unit Standard 17282 - Demonstrate an
appreciation of beer heritage, styles and flavours.
·
Unit Standard 17283 - Demonstrate knowledge of
beer and beer service.
·
Unit Standard 22267 - Demonstrate knowledge of
matching beer and wine with food.
This formally-recognised Certificate is open to all, whether
you’re in the brewing industry, beer retail, hospitality, or are a member of
the general public just wanting to know more about beer. The cost is $300 + GST
and more details can be found on the Brewers
Guild website.
Martin is the educator for the Auckland region; other
workshops are held around the country and more details can be found on the
Brewers Guild website.
Martin is available to provide other consultancy services in
the field of craft beer, such as:
·
Running beer tastings (including beer & food
matching)
·
Training of bar staff
·
Advising restaurants on putting together a beer
list
Contact Martin by email
if you have any enquiries about these or any other services.