7th March 2024
Written by Sarita Singh
At Robinsons, every drop of beer has a story, and so do the people behind it. Meet Rachel Solomon, whose journey from the Tank Room to Head Office represents her passion and a deep-rooted connection to the brewery.
Rachel's journey at Robinsons began in January 2019, where she first stepped foot into the tank room. The tank room is where we condition and filter the fermented beer we brew at the brewery in Stockport. Conditioning or maturation of the beer helps give the clean crisp flavour and filtration makes the beer bright which is a great marker of quality. Rachel found herself absorbed by the intricate processes that turn raw ingredients into Robinsons beers. Despite the initial complexity, she approached each task with eagerness, mastering everything from the art of CO2 addition to the difficult job of handling and lifting beer pipes.
Rachel said: “I was actually born and bred in a pub, so they’re second nature to me! My dad actually works in at Unicorn Packaging Centre in Bredbury, so he got me some work experience working with Margaret in the lab and I absolutely loved it. Not long after I was offered a job with Robinsons and I haven’t looked back since. When I was working in a predominantly male environment, I never once felt uncomfortable. I’ve really enjoyed all of my roles here.”
Her dedication for the craft didn't go unnoticed. After one year, Rachel's skill and commitment earned her a new role in bottling and production, a shift in her journey.
Breaking through barriers, she proudly became the first woman at Robinsons Brewery to obtain a forklift truck license. In 2021, Rachel's path took a new turn as she joined the customer services team in the office. Here, her background in travel and tourism and nursing, coupled with her passion for customer interaction, made her very well-suited to the job. Offering support, recommendations, and dealing with enquiries became second nature to Rachel as a Customer Services Advisor!
Rachel said: “I've found my calling in providing not just assistance, but forming genuine relationships with our pub business partners. With a background in sociable roles and my passion for helping people I find every enquiry is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and delight our business partners, making each day a fulfilling journey in itself. The role varies from sending correct point of sale to pubs, to wine tasting so I can make sure I can recommend the best wines to the pubs, to contacting cellar services to assist if any issues arise."
But Rachel's contributions extend beyond her role in customer services. As a qualified first aider for the company, she ensures the safety and well-being of her colleagues!
Beyond the confines of the brewery, Rachel's favourite pub is the Alexandra in Edgeley, a pub close to her heart. Whether it's enjoying a meal with her daughter and partner, indulging in a few games of pool and darts, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of live music, the Alexandra is her go-to pub.
As Rachel looks to the future, her journey with Robinsons continues to evolve. From the tank room to the office, Rachel's story shows determination and passion, and the bond between a woman to the world of brewing.
Cheers to Rachel Solomon and to the next chapter in her journey with Robinsons. Here's to raising a glass to her continued success and the adventures that lie ahead.
