The MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted has been raising a toast to a Hertfordshire beer after it was tapped in Parliament.
Side Pocket for a Toad, a popular ale from Tring Brewery, was served at the Strangers’ Bar in the Houses of Parliament, thanks to the parliamentary Guest Beer initiative.
The beer was nominated by Victoria Collins, MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted.
As part of the nomination, Tring Brewery's beer sommelier, Jared Ward, was invited to Westminster for a tour and a taste of the ale at the exclusive bar.
Named after a local saying, Side Pocket for a Toad celebrated 25 years of brewing last year and was named Hertfordshire Beer of the Year at the St Albans Beer and Cider Festival in November.
Jared said: "To have Side Pocket for a Toad nominated for service at Westminster is truly historic.
"What started as an unconventional name and playful mascot twenty-five years ago, soon morphed into the brewery’s champion ale and remains top of the pack after all these years.
"We’d like to thank Victoria Collins for her work in getting Tring ale into Strangers Bar.
"We relished the opportunity to tour the hallowed halls and chambers, and to prop up the bar at one the country’s most exclusive pubs.
"To have our local representative give us this platform is a very special moment indeed for Tring Brewery."
MP Collins added: "It has been great to be able to champion a brewery within the Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency in Tring Brewery.
"It was such fun to pour a pint of Side Pocket for a Toad in Strangers’ Bar.
"Here’s to supporting local."
While Tring Brewery's visit to the Houses of Parliament has concluded, Side Pocket for a Toad will continue to be served at the Strangers’ Bar in the coming weeks, with cellars stocked with four more casks.
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