By Press Release
It’s a measure of the great affection and respect felt for Anthony Goddard, that as he joked about all the ‘nobs’ that had come along to mark various highlights in the history of the brewery he founded with his wife, Alix, in 1993, many of them were sitting before him sharing the joke.
Included in those nobs were two former Lord-Lieutenants of the Island, Christopher Bland and Sir Martin White, the current one, and many former High Sheriffs – again with the current incumbent, Kay Marriott, ‘aiding and abetting’ Lord-Lieutenant Susie Sheldon as she performed the formal opening of the new purpose-built visitor centre, now home to the Island’s oldest operating brewery.
Anthony, has led, in Alix’s words, an ‘interesting’ life, when they lost their former home and business, Barton Manor and its vineyard, when he was ‘stuffed’ in the Lloyds insurance market collapse in 1991, they moved into a caravan on a derelict farm, dusted themselves off and just got on and started over again – this time with beer!
In the new visitor centre in Arreton, you can see the brewing in action and learn all about the brewing process, with the liquor tanks, mash tuns and the brewing team all visible from the smart mezzanine deck.
The team will offer tastings of the delicious range of ales and beers, then you can buy Goddards ales and other local produce in their new shop. The centre also contains a bar and restaurant, where customers are invited to enjoy dishes created using local produce, all while taking in beautiful views from the sun terrace.
Managing director, Bob Simpson, seems both proud and a little nonplussed by the change. At their previous premises at Barnsley Farm he was part of a team of nine, this morning he counted 29 employees – and they’re not even open yet! No matter – he says his greatest skill is employing people that are better than him. The employees around him readily agree – to laughter all around.
Their first brew in the new premises, Goddards staple, Fuggle-Dee-Dum, is almost ready, and fingers crossed will be finished in time to have them open for the Easter weekend. The premises are certainly something to be proud of, with all the interior design carried out by local photographer, Sienna Anderson, who has absolutely loved the project, and being part of this close-knit team. “I’d like to have a proper job here”, she said wistfully.
Anthony, known in the company as God, is looking forward to seeing the next stage of his empire grow and has great plans for a membership scheme, giving unlimited access to the facilities and lots of other benefits. His energy levels for a man in his 70s are pretty impressive – and his sense of humour never fails him. There is laughter from all the nobs as he works the room.
Trust us, if you like beer and love a good laugh – the membership scheme (£12.50 for life – if you visit at least once a year) is going to be a no-brainer!
See more photos from the opening party at iow.life/goddardsopening.
Featured Image: Anthony Goddard, Susie Sheldon, Kay Marriott and Bob Simpson
