News

Over 25 years at H&B

Brendan and Jenny have a long history with Heron and Brearley, starting as valued bar staff and supervisors and quickly learning the trade and becoming truly part of the H&B family in their dream pub. Jenny talks through the story of how they got to where they are now and the journey to find their way.

15 Feb 22 2019 Read More

2019 Minimum Wage Consumer Price Increases

On Tuesday 18 June 2019, Tynwald unanimously resolved to increase the headline Minimum Wage from £7.85 to £8.25. The new rates will become effective on 1 October 2019. For everyone aged 18 and above, they will see an approximate 5% increase in their minimum wage. 

This continues to keep the Isle of Man’s minimum wage ahead of the UK, Jersey and Guernsey (by comparison the UK’s minimum wage rate for 2019 is £7.70).

1 Oct 19 2019 Read More

Okell’s Brewery strikes gold at Global Beer Masters 2019

Okell’s Brewery are celebrating another win by achieving gold in this years’ Global Beer Masters competition for its bottled Manx Pale Ale (MPA).

Released in May, the ale has quickly cemented itself as an award winner, previously winning bronze in the International Beer Challenge 2019 at the start of August.

26 Sep 19 2019 Read More

Okell's win gold at the International Brewing Awards 2019

Okell’s Brewery was named as the best of the best in beer and cider at the International Brewing and Cider Awards 2019, scooping the Class 1 category for Cask Ale award.

The competition – attracting entries from 200+ breweries and cider mills from around World – was judged by an international panel of 50 judges.

Over 1000 beers and ciders from 50 countries were submitted for judging, which took place over an intensive three-day period.

7 May 19 2019 Read More

2019 Supplier Cost Increases

From Monday 4th February, several Supplier cost increases will have a knock-on effect on some retail prices. These include 5p per pint on draught beers, as well as a 5p increase to packaged beers and ciders. Minerals will also rise by 5p per bottle and wines will rise by 50p per bottle, which also includes a duty increase which was announced in the Autumn Budget in October 2018.

We remain committed to keeping our prices as low as possible but, when suppliers impose cost increases outside our control, we unfortunately have to adjust our prices accordingly.

4 Feb 19 2019 Read More

2018 Festive Safety Campaign Launched #DrinkSafeIOM

Motivating people to drink responsibly and stay safe during the Christmas and new year party season is at the heart of the 2018 #DrinkSafeIOM campaign which is launched today, 26/11/18.

For the fourth year Public Health, Isle of Man Constabulary and Bus Vannin have joined forces to promote the festive message through what’s set to be one of highest profile campaigns in years.

#DrinkSafeIOM combines positive health messages about sensible drinking with practical information on an expanded late night bus service, and raises awareness of the consequences of drink driving.

26 Nov 18 2018 Read More

1st October Minimum Wage Price Increase

From 1st October the Isle of Man minimum wage will rise from £7.50 to £7.85. This keeps the Isle of Man’s minimum wage ahead of the UK, Jersey and Guernsey.

However, it means that we’ll be introducing this year’s Minimum Wage Consumer Price Increase to drinks products in order to fulfill our obligation to support this latest measure by the Isle of Man Government. 

As usual, our policy is to directly link our prices to the cost of the new minimum wage, so that we can minimise the impact to our customers.

1 Oct 18 2018 Read More

New Bar for the TT Races and Festival of Motorcycling

Heron & Brearley has won a new multi-year contract to deliver a revamped official bar experience for race fans at the Isle of Man TT Races Paddock.  

Heron & Brearley will deliver the new bar for the TT Races and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling at a new, bigger location on the festival site, complete with trackside viewing from an open air beer-garden along with an upper deck offering for a bespoke VIP experience. 

4 Apr 18 2018 Read More

Neil Kelly appointed as H&B’s finance director

Neil Kelly has been appointed to the Main Board of the Heron & Brearley Group as finance director.

Manx-born, Neil Kelly joined H&B’s finance department as a graduate in 2001. Since then, he has achieved a linear career progression at the hospitality group, as well as gaining the ACCA qualification, to become a chartered certified accountant along the way.

In recent years, as group head of finance, Neil has also gained valuable experience serving on the boards of several H&B subsidiary companies as a director and in his capacity as Group company secretary.

27 Sep 17 2017 Read More

Okell’s MPA nominated as a finallist for ‘Champion Beer of Britain’ award

In a major achievement for the Isle of Man’s craft brewery, Okell’s MPA (Manx Pale Ale) has been nominated as the Champion Beer of Britain at the 40th Great British Beer Festival in London.

Organised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the festival has been the most prestigious event in the annual calendar for the beer industry since its inception in 1977.

14 Aug 17 2017 Read More