MP has taste for the ale at Harbury festival

Buy photos » MP Jeremy Wright is pictured (centre) with the other judges at the beer festival - from left to right - Claire Rowbotham, landlady of the Wild Boar pub in Warwick, David Evans, Matt Breeze, John Crossling, festival founder and chairman of the Heart of Warwickshire Branch of CAMRA, Charles Hunter and Robina Griffiths. (s)

HARBURY Beer Festival organisers tapped into the expertise of their local MP on Friday (August 31) when they asked him to judge their opening competition.

Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam, was happy to oblige and tasted his way through six contenders for the title of West Midland 2012 champion strong bitter.

There were more than 60 beers to taste at the two-day festival, which had a Titanic-inspired maritime theme to mark its 22nd year.

And Mr Wright, one of seven overall judges, was very pleased when his favourite – Salopian Golden Thread- was declared the winner.

He said: “It’s always nice to pick a winner but the real winner here is the community.

“The Harbury Beer Festival is a great event that all the family can enjoy with good food and live entertainment. It attracts hundreds of visitors, promotes quality beers not only from across the country but more importantly, from Warwickshire’s own 13 breweries."

He added: “I have been delighted to be able to play a part in the recent revival of two village pubs in my constituency. Pubs play a vital role our society not just as places to drink but also as focal points for all sorts of activities."

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