I have more than 30 years experience as a journalist, and have been accredited as a Beer Sommelier since 2015. I have led beer tastings, beer and food matchings, and beer education sessions for a range of consumer, trade and corporate audiences. Sessions can be tailored to the required level, from a fun consumer beer tasting to detailed beer understanding useful in a professional setting.

Professionally I have experience as a journalist, editor, writer, researcher, scriptwriter and copywriter, as well as being co-director of specialist hospitality PR agency ShielPorter Communications. My CV includes stints as Food Editor of The Publican, and Features Editor of Retail Week.

I am a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, and an accredited Beer Sommelier. I’ve sat on judging panels for awards including The Publican Awards, The Publican Food & Drink Awards, The International Beer Challenge, the World Beer Awards, CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain, CAMRA Champion Cider & Perry of Britain, The Great Taste Awards, Britain’s Best Sunday Lunch, Fish & Chip Shop of the Year, and British Pie Week.