Industry News

Ricoh Arena claims first with cask marque accreditation 

The Ricoh Arena has been awarded cask marque accreditation for the quality of its Purity Brewing company beers served at the ground, which is the home of the rugby union Premiership club Wasps.

The multi-purpose venue in Coventry, which is also home to Coventry City Football Club, has become the first stadium in the UK to be awarded the cask marque status, the independent award usually reserved for pubs serving great quality cask ale.

The Warwickshire-based brewery serves two of its cask ales across five of the concourse bars and a further bar in the arena’s Ericsson Exhibition Hall.

Pure UBU and Pure Gold are the two beers that are also available in seven hospitality suites, as well as the Mill Bar and Brasserie part of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the arena.

Cask Marque recognises excellence in the service of cask ale, taking into account the quality of all cask beer on every bar, including temperature, appearance, aroma and taste.

Paul Halsey, Purity managing director, said: “At Purity we pour our heart and soul into every last drop of beer we produce, with dedicated training support for venues to stock and serve our beer for that perfect pint.

“We are all extremely proud of this accreditation and it’s a testament to the Purity team and everyone at the Ricoh Arena who looks after our beer there. We’re also very proud of our relationship with the Ricoh Arena and Wasps Rugby. Long may it continue and here’s to hoping we can celebrate again at the end of the month.”

Andy Gibb, managing director of the Ricoh Arena, added: “Our partnership with Purity goes from strength to strength, with Gold and UBU proving incredibly popular with event guests, concert goers and rugby, netball & football fans alike.

“We’re incredibly proud to be serving Purity at the Ricoh Arena and the Cask Marque accreditation is just reward for the quality of the product and the outstanding teamwork displayed between our two organisations.”