Rob Crawford, John Holberry, and James Cartlidge MP.
A beer brewed by a Suffolk company is proving popular with MPs in the Houses of Parliament.
The Strangers’ Bar - one of several bars in the Palace of Westminster, the home of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, is now serving Stour Valley Gold.
It's brewed by Nethergate Brewery and Distillery, based at Rodbridge Corner, Long Melford, and now being enjoyed by MPs, parliamentary officials and their guests.
The deal came about after the brewery was nominated by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge to represent the county.
“It seems to be going down well and the bar ran out the first night after the barrel ran dry,” said Nethergate general manager Rob Crawford.
“Stour Valley Gold is from our core range and it was great of James to nominate us. I know he is keen to support independent, local breweries.”
It is the second time the brewery has supplied Strangers’ Bar. The first was with Umble Ale around five years ago.
Stour Valley Gold is a balanced, light, crisp and refreshing, hoppy, golden ale with a touch of spice early on and a mellow bitterness at the end. It is brewed using fragrant, citrus hops.
Rob and managing director John Holberry visited the bar earlier this month when the beer was first stocked.
Mr Holberry, said: “We’re delighted our favourite beer has been chosen to represent Suffolk in the parliamentary bar and hope that it gives some quality refreshment to all our MPs as they wrestle with the current issues. Our thanks to James.”
Mr Cartlidge added said: “It is fantastic to see a local beer being drunk by many of my colleagues and it has proven popular so far.
“As the minister responsible for alcohol duty, it’s always positive to see small breweries doing well, especially with the south Suffolk connection.”
Published in the Suffolk Free Press.
