Warmley-based Bath Ales and Bath Racecourse have signed a three-year sponsorship deal which will make the brewery, pub and restaurant group headline sponsor of the racecourse’s annual beer festival while its beer will be official guest ale of the course.
The brewery, based between Bristol and Bath at Warmley and best known for its flagship Gem bitter, has featured at the course over the past 12 years and has been an integral part of the beer festival, which attracts thousands of race goers and real ale lovers.
Bath Ales sales director Mark Harding said: “Bath Racecourse is a fun venue that hosts a number of events that we all enjoy being part of. As well as the racing, they are clearly very passionate about representing local food and drink at the course and that matches our own philosophy and brand values.
“The annual beer festival has really taken off and is growing year on year, and we look forward to a close relationship with the racecourse over the coming years.”
Racecourse executive director Jo Hall added: “Attracting a strong local brand to the racecourse ahead of the new season is great news and proves we are bringing in the right demographic of customer and have an attractive proposition,” she said.
“We have consciously invested time in approaching good quality and recognisable West Country brands to be our key long term partners and Bath Ales is an excellent fit for us.”
Set up in 1995, Bath Ales now operates 11 pubs, bars and restaurants including The Wellington in Horfield, as well as the Graze restaurant in Queen Square, craft beer bar Beerd in Kingsdown and the bars and restaurants at Colston Hall.
Its range of beers includes Barnsey, Dark Side, Wild Hare, Special Pale Ale and Ginger Hare as well as its flagship Gem bitter.
Bath Racecourse’s racing season starts on April 17 and runs to the end of October. The annual beer festival takes place on Friday June 5.
Pictured: Suzanne Hurley of Bath Racecourse and Mark Harding of Bath Ales
Pictured: Suzanne Hurley of Bath Racecourse and Mark Harding of Bath Ales
