Martin’s big into Health & Safety, Sustainability and beer which makes him the perfect person to head up the Brewery. He’s got some hidden talents too, which even we didn’t know about until we read his answers! Read on to find out more…
Full Name: Martin Kelly
What do you like to be called? Martin
Job Title: Managing Director
How long have you been at Renegade and what were you up to before that?
I have been here for just under 2 years, and prior to that I was the General Manger for Meantime Brewery in Greenwich. This was the original home of Craft Brewing in London under the stewardship of Alistair Hook. Prior to this I spent 8 years leading the Charles Wells brewery in Bedford. My growing years as they say were spent working at Courage / S&N and latterly Heineken. Thinking about it – I have been in the Brewing industry for 40 years – that’s scary to see that number.
How has your role/the business progressed since you’ve been here?
I think the brewery has grown in a really positive way. With everyone working to the same goal, our focus on Safety and Quality has been immense, and this has been backed up by independent audits too. Given our location, the passion and commitment from everyone to work in Greener ways, to save on utilities & recycle plus a vision to look at sustainable solutions for the future — is a real positive reflection on us all. The sustainability agenda galvanises us all no matter what part of the business you work within, and that strengthens the existing Renegade team spirit. Now we focus on attracting and growing our volumes, whist we maintain all the above – that will make this phoenix fly again.
What is your favourite Renegade beer past or present? Blackguard – it has to be.
What is your favourite style of beer or favourite beer?
A real counter to the stout of Blackguard, a nice fruity Saison.
Last thing you listened to? Just checking my Spotify… Human, by the Killers.
Last film/series you watched?
Super Surgeons – a chance at life. How these specialist surgeons take on these cases in what are considered “last chance saloons” for life and give hope and a chance to live again for some – its an amazing skill. I’m no biologist, but to see the Dr’s work on the “inner workings” of a body – totally engaging.
Hobbies or interests?
I’m a keen gardener – love growing a bit of Veg etc. Also DIY – happy to give most things ago, but have yet to crack the time element. If I say it will take me a day, the family will add a fair contingency from experience. 😊
Finally travelling – When I holiday it’s more an exploring type holiday rather than beachy. There are so many things to see in the world, from the natural wonders through to the man-made legacy’s. It’s a definite rule of never going back to the same place twice!
Best place you’ve travelled to and why does it stick in your memory?
There are a couple that stand out for me. Sunrise overlooking lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies, and watching the sun reflect of the turquoise glacial water. Then walking up one of the trails to a “tea” hut where they took the water from the lake to make the drink.
Taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon listening to James Bond themed music!
Coffee or tea? Tea
Favourite food to cook at home?
Mushroom Biryani. Got to use a blend of different mushroom types from shiitake, chestnut & Oyster as a starter. This all stems from my youth in the brewing industry and going to brewing and training events in Brick Lane (the home of the old Watney Truman Brewery) – A curry house on every corner!
Favourite local restaurant? Asian Spice – my local Indian restaurant.
Favourite item on the Renegade Taproom & Kitchen menu? Got to be a pepperoni pizza or a sneaky bowl of chips.
Tell us something we probably don’t know about you.
I love my sport. It’s easy to see why I loved playing rugby & basketball, with me being over 6ft tall, but beneath this brewing industry ravaged body, once stood a fit athlete! I used to compete at County level and above in the throwing events – primarily discus. Would you have guessed that!
What got you into the beer industry? A friend!
I was studying my for my Chemistry degree through a day release programme, and two people on the course worked for Courage – that was the brewery where Tesco’s RDC is now, by junction 11 of the M4. So when a vacancy arose, I applied and started working there as a Quality Technician in 1983. And here I am today still in the same industry. It’s a fantastic one to be in, even with all its challenges.
Dogs or cats? Dogs…
