A CUMBRIAN brewing firm has secured its place on the national stage - with its beer now on tap in one of the most famous bars in the country.
Parliamentarians from across the country are enjoying beer brewed right here in West Cumbria this week, as the Tractor Shed Brewery in Workington has seen one of its ales placed on tap in a parliamentary bar.
The famous Strangers’ Bar in the Palace of Westminster - a favourite haunt of MPs and Government Ministers after late night votes - hosts guest beers sponsored by MPs who want to champion local breweries.
Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister secured one of the prized spots for Tractor Shed Brewing, based in Seaton, with the brewery's Kessin' Blonde on tap in the venue until next week.
Tractor Shed owners Graeme and Rachel and their son Matthew joined Josh in Parliament this week to pull pints for the punters.
The event also gave the family a chance to speak to other small independent breweries, discussing the difficulties that small brewers can have.
Speaking about having one of his blends in the Palace of Westminster, Graeme said: “We were delighted to hear that Josh had managed to get our Kessin' Blonde into Strangers' Bar in the Palace of Westminster and enjoyed watching him pull a perfect pint.
“It was great to discuss the difficulties small independent breweries have getting their beers into pubs that are often tied to a global brewery.
"This and other issues are affecting the viability of small breweries and the customers we supply so it's good to know that we can count on Josh's support.”
Mr MacAlister said: “I love championing local businesses and do so at every opportunity, so it was a great pleasure to get Tractor Shed Brewing’s brilliant beer on tap in Parliament.
“I want to see the fantastic craft beers produced at local breweries like Tractor Shed Brewing and Ennerdale Brewery in more pubs across Cumbria and beyond and our independent brewers have my full support in making that happen.”
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