IT IS not every day that a Cotswold beer makes it inside the doors of Number 10.

But when Prime Minister David Cameron held a barbecue in Downing Street last Thursday for 200 thirsty Conservative MPs, he specifically requested Hook Norton real ales to be served.

Staff at Hook Norton Brewery, near Chipping Norton, found their Old Hooky and Lion ales were a firm favourite of the Prime Minister, whose Witney consituency is just up the road.

The beer was delivered by local Hook Norton Brewery drivers Simon Glidden and Lewis Clarke, who were invited to stay at the barbecue to serve it.

They were even rewarded for their efforts with a behind-the-scenes tour of Number 10 – an experience they said they would never forget.

Adrian Staley, managing director (commercial), said: “We were so pleased by it. We have just launched Lion. It’s going to be our flagship beer.

“We were really proud to be there.”

  • It was reported the barbecue in the Number 10 gardens was held to persuade MPs to stay in London – rather than go to constituencies – for the landmark Commons vote for a referendum on European Union membership by 2017.