Media blitz? and other random bits

Well a media blitz might be terming it a little too strong, but the result of Muddler Press launch is now rippling through.... with some exciting news about the national papers. This is the 'news' (almost literally) so far:

1. National Bartender - a small feature (or couple of hundred words) on Muddler has gone into the August edition. We are still trying to track down a copy, but it all sounds like good news.

2. The Publican - one of the leading titles (probably between this and one other) for the on-trade (pubs/ bars/ clubs etc) and apparently 'Proud of Pubs'. They have written a third of a page on the merits of Muddler (and referred to this very blog) and included some of our marketing material:

To read the article please take a look at the Publican website.

(I'm not that happy that Henry keeps on reminding me that he has been quoted in the press and I haven't been.... nothing to do with him writing the Press Release and taking the better quote then!).

3. The Daily Mail - The journos at the national paper have spoken to Henry a couple of times and have confirmed that they are putting us in the Fashion section next Monday (3rd September). We are not sure what they are saying or how big the piece is (we are assuming thumbnail size). But we are fairly sure that they are including a picture of the bottle (as they requested one). Henry and Alex (our designer) being perfectionists, were not really happy with the previous bottle photos, so an impromptu photo shoot was convened and the resultant brilliant shot is below:


I was just relieved to hear that it was in the Fashion section and not a piece on the negative effects of alcohol or underage drinking (which would be unfair as we have done everything possible to make our drink for mature alcohol drinkers). So it is fingers crossed for Monday to see what the result is.

4. Caterer and Licensee - A piece should be going in their forthcoming edition.

We are currently having conversations with some other publications and we are about to bombard some more publications with the wonders of the Muddler media pack (which is mostly the product itself).

So a big thank you must go to our good friend Gavin Gomez who gave us a clue as to what a Press Release is! Also to Noules (of Aussie Jimmy and Noules fame) for always telling us that PR was the answer.

So are we becoming media darlings? I doubt it, I'm still in my shorts and unshaven as I write this, so I don't think the Paps are camped outside my flat quite yet. Anyway, it was never about celebrity status, Henry and I have specifically not applied to a myriad of business TV shows etc as this was never about us. People tell us that the blog and website allow them to have a good chuckle at our expense but we just want to show people the inner workings of our young company and if that involves people laughing at me... it won't be the first time!... or the last.

Apologies, it has been a week since we really put anything up on the blog so there is some other news....

Website - there were a number of (mainly minor) enhancements that we wanted to make to the website (and a couple of typos) so myself and Alex have pulled this together and last night we released a new version of the site. The changes are subtle (the site had gone down pretty well in the first place) but we hope you like them (for example the new photo of the bottle is now on the homepage). I hope to change the look of this blog soon to make it more Muddlerish.

Events/ Catering companies - we are beginning to get some traction with a number of the London events/ catering companies. Henry and I agreed that when we used to live in the corporate world the company functions often seem repetitive. As you walked in to a function the opening drink was always one of the rather uninspiring collection of Champagne, Pimms or Bucks Fizz and made events feel very similar. With the success of Muddler at weddings etc we know that this is a drink that almost everyone likes to get a party started. Later in the evening it is always good to have to hand when you are dancing the night away. So having targeted this sector we are beginning to see some good interest. So if you are organising an event or just attending one this Christmas you should be asking 'Have you got some of that Muddler Cocktail stuff?' you may be pleasantly surprised by the reply.

V Festival - I will put up embarrassing photos of me at the V Festival (northern branch) on my next post... this was a great event I attended with some hedonistic input from Paul Dixon (aka Dee), Kelly & Gav.

Weddings - The wedding (and associated Stag do) season has finally come to an end for me and Henry. Last Friday saw the the marriage of Hazel and Rob in Sussex. A great do, in a fantastic location that meant the wedding had a really fun and positive atmosphere (its great to see two people who work so well together). There was also plenty or real ale which kept Henry and I entertained. We've seen a lot of our Manchester University Geography crew this year and to be quite honest... it has been great (jugs of water over my head aside). It's not over yet, December will see us at the annual re-union weekend away (the only time we normally see each other each year).

On a random plug, if you haven't done so you should check out the amazing King Jacks which contains one of the University lot (Phil Newby) they are awesome and their new single (out in October I believe) has an unbelievably catch riff in it that Henry and I can frequently be heard humming. Check them out here (and listen to the single) - www.myspace.com/kingjacksmusic

I think I've rambled on enough today about what we've been up to, so what is coming up...

Oddjob - An old work colleague of mine, Chris Jackson, is having his thirtieth this weekend. I wouldn't normally mention stuff like this, but it's fancy dress. As it now says on the website I love an excuse to dress up as my alter ego, Oddjob for fancy dress.... whatever the theme (this time it is supposed to be 80s so maybe I'll add eye-liner to the effect). So the question is, how much will I look like Oddjob:

Photos to follow next week...

Rugby World Cup - As a man obsessed with rugby, this should be a time of me getting excited for the Rugby World Cup that kicks off in just 8 days. Although as an England fan, I'm slightly nervous at the prospect of being embarrassed this time around. I've got tickets for every round of the England games (now right up to the final) so fingers crossed for a strong performance. So this means a number of shorter Muddler working weeks for me to hop across the channel to soak up the atmosphere... Will I be the only man actually taking booze (Muddler) to France? I'm sure the photos will tell too many tales... I'll make sure that they get put up here.

The next question is will I write more often... I hope so, but there are so many things to do, like sorting out the Oddjob costume that take up my time! But I promise to improve.

Don't forget to take a look in the Daily Mail on Monday....

The Venue list is growing....

Last week Rupert and I got back on the road having had a couple of weeks 'off' writing proposals to pub chains, supermarkets, event companies and anyone and everyone we could think of who might be interested in our new drink.

It's hard work slogging the streets, walking into places unannounced, I can't help but feel like one of those annoying sales people you get called up by. I guess there are a couple of fundamental differences; firstly we are doing it in person and secondly we have a product that is actually relevant to the people we are selling it to and good! But still it takes a deep breath and a little bit of front to walk into a bar and demand to see the manager.

Not that it should, as the result is often a positive one. Another successful week of sales in the Shoreditch area is testament to this, I think we got into another 6 or 7 venues which wasn't bad considering it was only two afternoons work. So the list currently stands as:


Chelsea (SW3)
Market Place

Fulham (SW6)
The Durell
Fest Bar

Vauxhall (SW8)
Nolans Freehouse

Greenwich (SE10)
Oliver's Bar

Hammersmith (W6)
Raven

Camberwell (SE5)
The Castle

East Dulwich (SE22)
The Palmerston
The Vale

Herne Hill (SE24)
Pullens

Brixton (SW2)
The White Horse

Clapham (SW11)
Project Orange
Wessex House
Out of the Blue
Rinky Dink

Borough (SE1)
Goldsmiths
The Miller
Horse

Honor Oak Park (SE27)
Tapastry

Holloway (N7)
Manjaro

City (EC1)
Barbican Centre
Platinum Bar

Shoreditch (E1)
Red Lion
Strongroom
Charlie Wrights
Comoco

South Kensington (W8)
The Terrace

St Ives
The Tap Room

Guildford
Jo Clarks

St Albans
The Druid

Private Members Bars
County Constitution Club, St Albans
Mediacom, London


I got a call last night from my very loyal little sister who with her friends had just bought the last 4 bottles left in The White Horse Brixton (don't worry she is over 18). Her friends liked it so much that she was calling to find out where they could go to get more because they were demanding another! Hence the updated the list above. She then proceeded to give me a motivational speech on how we should be out every night in the pubs and bars selling to the punters to get this off the ground. She even volunteered her own services in doing so.

I think she's right. It's so easy to sit behind a computer writing proposals but the hard work is getting out there and wearing your product on your sleave, or in the case of our muddler t-shirts our chests. In reality it really needs both, so look out for Rupert and I over the next couple of months, you might well see us out and about singing the praises of ours truly as you enjoy a drink one evening.

Bribing journalists

Hi, I’m the voice of sanity for the Muddler’s empire…. in other words the person who says you can’t possibly do that (but the two of them go ahead and do it any way) and the person who says why aren’t you doing this (and if I’m lucky they might consider doing it).

I’ve spent my lifetime advising others how to run their businesses and started a couple of my own which have been moderately successful, but I have never before been involved with the drinks industry. Having known Rupert for nigh on 30 years (that tells you how old he is!) and Henry for around a dozen years I should have guessed that when they wanted to set up a business together they would go for something that involved alcohol, albeit it is not all bad as it contains pure fruit as well.

The big issue for the boys is getting the word spread around about what a wonderfully refreshing drink the Muddler Cocktail is and why doesn’t your local pub/bar/restaurant stock it. If anybody, who reads this, is bold enough to pass on to me (or the boys) the name of a top line journalist (or in fact any journalist) who writes up a piece about Muddlers and/or any contacts in the drinks trade who suddenly order a dozen cases of the pure fruit flavoured alcohol then I, personally, will reward them splendidly. What this means in reality is they could get to meet me (a scary thought for all concerned!) and receive, at least, a case of Muddlers, which I will buy with real cash (or QC as some of us, down the market, call it) from Rupert & Henry. Email the boys or me at malcolm@kimbersjessop.com with your contact names.

It is very important to me that Muddlers is the fantastic success that it deserves to be, if for no other reason than, what with the pension crisis of the past decade or so, I am relying on Rupert to keep me in my old age in the manner to which I wish to become accustomed.

Here ends my first ever blog entry; does this mean I’ve time travelled and become a member of the younger generation again (I can dream can’t I)?

All the best.

Malcolm

PS. In certain circles QC stands for…….. “Queens Currency” (i.e. cash not disclosed to the Inland Revenue).

Win a case of Muddler!

In my best boxing ring announcer style voice.....

Ladieeeeeees and Gentlemen

I'm pleased to announce that Muddler Cocktails in association with The Palmerston of East Dulwich are offering the opportunity to win a case of Muddler Cocktails.

Muddler Cocktails is the undisputed champion of real fruit cocktails and continues in its quest for worldwide notoriety. Their partner The Palmerston has recently been voted the best Gastro Pub in London.

All you have to do win the case of muddlers is sign up to the Palmerston's newsletter (you can always unsubscribe later). You can find all the details on their home page:
www.thepalmerston.net

You have until the end of August, but why not get cracking and do it now (it will only take 30 seconds).

Anyway, let the competition commence....

I'm not sure the boxer announcer thing worked, but what's done is done now!

Their are rumours that Malcolm Jessop (yes he is a relation) who is the voice of re-assurance for Henry and I when we get in a panic with the business side of things is going to have a stab at writing one of these blog post things.... heaven only knows what he'll write.

Right... I'd best be off there are deliveries to do and then it is Friday afternoon taste tests.... Any ideas for what the next Muddler Cocktail recipe are gratefully received.
....

A surprising yet welcome new market

Since we got hold of Muddler Cocktails our families have been a huge support, not least in their enthusiasm for getting their friends and colleagues to try it, and from this a very interesting trend has appeared.
The group of people we get consistently positive feedback from, more than any other, are the 50+ females. It appears that Muddler Cocktails really hits the spot with its 100% natural ingredients and more mature strength and flavour.
Its funny because of all the groups of people these would have been the ones, along with 50+ men, who I would have thought were least likely to change their habits. On reflection this is a view of the 50+ I formed when I was about 12!
The reality is that most people I now know who are over 50 have more freedom and choice than any of my friends. This in turns means that they are more open minded with a great sense for exploration, that change and difference is good, that there's always time to experience and find something new.
While 50+ might not sound as glamorous as the 25-35 year old market, perhaps it is this group that really sets the trends, where to travel, what to eat, what to drink.... One thing that is for sure, if we have inadvertently produced a drink that they find a delicious alternative to the odd glass of wine or gin and tonic we will be happy as larry!