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Wren’s beer flutters down to Westminster

30/ 4/2008

AFTER narrowly escaping being injured in a mortar attack on the Gaza Strip, Glossop MP Tom Levitt’s latest assignment proved far more relaxing.

He was pulling pints of Wren’s Nest bitter, from Old Glossop’s Howard Town Brewery, behind the Strangers Bar in the House of Commons, where it is one of two special guest beers.

Ale from three casks are on sale over the next three weeks.

Few northern brews make it to the Westminster pumps and the ale was voted supreme champion in last year’s Society of Independent Brewers’ awards.

Brewery owners Tony Hulme and Peter Clarke were Mr Levitt’s guests.

"It’s a massive thrill to see it being served in the Mother of Parliaments," said Tony, who founded the brewery three years ago.

"It’s a bit more special than just having a pint at a pub in Stockport or Manchester.

"To be honest, as we were travelling down, I still thought something would happen and it wouldn’t be on.

"And thankfully, the beer seemed perfect."

After downing a half of the ale, Mr Levitt said: "It’s a nice, light colour and tastes really fruity and fresh.

"The bar manager tells me in the first day it’s been on the members have really enjoyed it, in fact outselling the more famous brand on the other pump."

Lorely Burt, Lib-Dem MP for Solihull, a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, joined in the banter at the bar.

"It’s great to see these smaller breweries doing so well and making it to the Commons.

"I hear it’s been very popular," she said.

Mr Levitt later took the brewers and Mr Clarke’s son Robin onto the terrace overlooking the Thames and on a tour of parliament.

They also listened to a public transport debate in the strangers gallery.