A Cumbrian Bitter, brewed by Carlisle Brewing Company, has been on tap at Strangers’ Bar in the House of Commons.

Julie Minns, Member of Parliament for Carlisle and North Cumbria, recommended the Cumbrian Bitter as a guest ale.

The Carlisle MP said, “I am so pleased to help a local independent brewery bring its fantastic beer to the centre of government.

“It’s particularly fitting because for half a century, Carlisle’s pubs were nationalised – meaning what people in Carlisle drank, where they drank it, and when they drank it was decided right here in Whitehall.

“When privatised, the city’s pubs were sold in bulk to large breweries, making it difficult for independents like the Carlisle Brewing Company to get their beers into local pubs, even today.

“People in Parliament may have an easier time tasting Cumbrian Bitter this month than some locals in the town where it was brewed.”

Julie Minns MP has championed independent breweries in Carlisle by advocating for greater recognition and access to pubs for local brewers, including Carlisle Brewing Company, Great Corby Brewing Company, West Walls Brewing Company, and The Old Vicarage Brewery in Walton.

Alison Davis, Carlisle Brewing Co, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to showcase our Cumbrian Bitter in Strangers Bar, introducing good Cumbrian beer to hundreds of people working in the Houses of Parliament and hopefully reminding Julie Minns of home.

“We’re proud to be part of Carlisle’s long brewing heritage.  We want to use this opportunity to highlight how much support the hospitality industry and associated sectors like ours currently needs to remain at the heart of our communities and an important part of British history.”

Julie Minns has worked to raise awareness of the challenges they face, particularly the difficulty of getting their beers into local pubs dominated by large breweries.

Recommending Cumbrian Bitter for selection at Strangers’ Bar is part of her ongoing efforts to highlight the talent and quality of Carlisle’s independent brewers.

She has also called for fairer access to pubs for these businesses, ensuring they remain at the heart of Carlisle’s rich brewing heritage.