Ei Group, the UK’s largest pub company, is boosting its existing partnership with The Clink Charity, and launching a new exclusive cask beer ahead of the Six Nations, available in pubs across its Ei Publican Partnerships and selected Bermondsey and Craft Union estates.
Passing Time, a 3.8% ABV beer, brewed by Marston’s in Wolverhampton is available ‘on the dray’ immediately and in pubs throughout the tournament until 12 March. From each pint sold, 25p will be donated to The Clink, a charity which reduces reoffending by training and supporting prisoners into fulltime employment within the hospitality sector, upon release.
Ei Group partnered with The Clink Charity last year, as part of its broad focus on promoting hospitality as a career of choice and transforming lives through offering individuals from all backgrounds opportunities that can lead to meaningful employment.
The Amber Bitter, Passing Time, is brewed with Fuggles and Golden hops to give a tangy and refreshing taste. Ei Publican Partnerships publicans can order the beer directly online or via the Customer Contact Centre.
Paul Harbottle, Group Commercial Director at Ei Group, said, “We’re delighted to continue our support for The Clink Charity and bring this exclusive beer to communities across the UK. We’re confident the brew will be a popular choice throughout the Six Nations, while generating support for this tremendous charity.”
Christopher Moore, Chief Executive at The Clink, added, “We’re hugely thankful to both Ei Group and Marston’s for their continued support. The funds raised by this beer throughout the Six Nation’s will be invaluable in supporting us with training offenders and providing them the structure they need to gain employment upon their release, thus significantly reducing reoffending rates.
'Providing offenders with the relevant skills and discipline to work in the hospitality industry, not only gives them hope and stability upon leaving jail, but also provides a pipeline of potential workers for the industry, helping alleviate the ongoing staffing pressures.”
The Clink currently trains up to 200 prisoners a day to gain their Level 2 NVQs in Food Service, Food Preparation, Food Hygiene and Horticulture. It operates four training restaurants in partnership with Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, along with a training kitchen, gardens, a café and an event catering business.