Ricoh Arena receive Cask Mark accreditation for the second year running

Qualified Ale assessors have recognised the Ricoh Arena for the quality of its pints for the second year running.

Judges from Cask Marque – an industry body set up to drive beer quality – assessed the Ricoh Arena during a Rolling Stones concert where more than 30,000 packed inside the Coventry-based venue.

All of the Ricoh Arena’s kiosks passed the beer standards for its two ales – Purity UBU and Purity Gold – which were poured more than 90,000 times during the 2017/18 rugby season.

The drinks were assessed on their temperature, appearance and aroma – making the home of Wasps Rugby Club the first stadium in the UK to retain Cask Marque status, just one year on after becoming the first ever UK stadium to be awarded the accolade.

Mark O’Shea, Head of Catering and Services at the Ricoh Arena, said: “To have the pints we serve given the thumbs up from experts who drink at some of the best pubs in the country is an achievement we are extremely proud of.

“The high standards shown by our catering team in preparing the cask ale for the Rolling Stones concert has typified the consistent standards shown throughout the year, so this recognition is well-deserved.

“Each member of our bar staff goes on a tour of the Purity brewery to understand what goes into the ales that they are serving, which helps them to buy into the ethos of storing the beer correctly and pouring the perfect pint.

“This attention to detail has contributed to the popularity of both ales. As well as pouring more than 90,000 pints of ale over the rugby season, we have also had to build an extra bar on the concourse, and set up six new taps in the hospitality lounges to meet demand.

“We look forward to raising a glass with Purity on this achievement, and are currently exploring how we can introduce different flavoured ales for the season ahead.”