Big Lamp Bitter “extremely popular” with MPs after hitting the bar in Westminster

LABOUR MP Catherine McKinnell says a North East brew has proved “extremely popular” after hitting the bar in Westminster.

Big Lamp Bitter, from the region’s oldest microbrewery Big Lamp Brewers, in Newburn, just west of Newcastle, has been served as one of the House of Commons Strangers’ bar’s rotating series of guest ales.

And now brewery manager George Storey has been to see it for himself – being invited to sup a pint amid the corridors of power by the Newcastle North MP.

“It’s been a real privilege for our beer to be on sale in Parliament, and Catherine was a fantastic host during our visit to Westminster,” said George.

“We are proud that oldest microbrewery in the North East has been recognised in this way.”

Following in the footsteps of Martin Hamill at Hadrian Border Brewery, who in March took his Tyneside Blonde to Parliament with the support of Hexham MP Guy Opperman, George was given a tour of the Palace of Westminster and watched the Commons in action before joining Catherine to see how the 36 gallons of his beer were going down with politicans.

“It was an absolute pleasure to host George in Parliament, and to be able to show him where his bitter has been enjoyed by my Parliamentary colleagues,” said Catherine.

“The North East has such a thriving food and drink industry, with many excellent local companies in this sector based in my constituency alone.

“I am keen to be able to promote local business and our regional produce in Westminster whenever I have the chance to do so, and I know that the Big Lamp Bitter has proved extremely popular.”

Big Lamp Brewers, which is jointly managed by George Storey and Lee Goulding, was founded 1982 and moved to its current riverside home – a previously derelict water pumping station that serviced the village of Newburn – in 1996.

As well as its bitter the firm also supplies a number of beers, including 7.4% ABV ruby ale Old Genie, the fearsome 11%-er Big Lamp Blackout and the 4.8% golden Prince Bishop Ale, to its own pubs – The Keelman, which is situated next door to the brewery in Newburn, and the Wheatsheaf in Felling, Gateshead – and others across the country