James Clay Receives Honorary Knighthood of the Belgian Brewers' Mash Paddle
5 September 2022
On September 3rd 2022, James Clay, Managing Director was inaugurated to the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Mash Paddle, in recognition of his work in furthering Belgian Beer in the UK.
James follows in the footsteps of his Father Ian Clay (founder of James Clay and Sons), and colleague Nigel Stevenson, who were knighted 20 years ago for their efforts in developing the market in the UK for Belgian beer.
On receiving the honour James said ’it is a great privilege to receive the Honorary Knighthood just as it is to share Belgian Beer, a pinnacle of global brewing, with British beer drinkers. During the past decade we have observed the globalisation of craft beer but Belgian Brewing has remained delightfully unique owing to centuries of refinement and their discerning beer culture.’
It's now 20 years since Ian was knighted and he describes himself as ‘very proud that James has now been recognised for the work he and all at James Clay & Sons do in promoting the great beers of Belgium here in the UK. It is great that the independent Belgian brewers remain so proud of their beers that they acknowledge those involved with this annual ceremony and display of their beers in the magnificence of the Grand Place in the heart of Brussels.’
Knighthood is obtained through nomination by a member of the Belgian Family brewers, and James was nominated by Karel Boon of Brouwerij Boon. Karel decided to nominate James as he's ‘not only an importer of Belgian beers, but also a huge fan of the category and someone who understands the work and quality behind it. As a family brewery, we are also big supporters of other family businesses such as James Clay with whom long term and steady relations can be built across generations.’
The Knighthood of the Brewers’ Mash Paddle is administered by the Union of Belgian brewers, that can trace its roots back to the 14th century, making it one of the world’s oldest guilds.
