Local MP Michael Tomlinson welcomed a Mid Dorset brewery to Parliament. Eight Arch Brewing, based at Stone Lane in Wimborne, were chosen to supply their renowned Bowstring Bitter in the House of Commons Stranger’s Bar.
Eight Arch Brewing was opened by Steve Farrell in early 2015 and has quickly become established as a popular independent brewery, supplying a number of local pubs and businesses. Having recently been awarded ‘Beer of the Festival’ at the Dorchester Beerex, Michael Tomlinson MP was delighted to be able to showcase the success of Eight Arch Brewing in the House of Commons. Steve’s visit to Parliament follows on from the Prime Minister sampling one of his early prototypes in April 2015.
Michael commented “It was great to welcome Steve to the House of Commons to see his beer being served to Members of Parliament. As a member of the All-Party Group for Beer and a passionate supporter of our pub trade, it is fantastic to see a local brewery doing so well.”
The All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group represents the interests of pubs and brewers across the UK, and Michael was keen to discuss both the opportunities and some of the challenges facing small businesses such as Eight Arch Brewing. Steve highlighted Beer Duty as a key issue and welcomed the Government’s decision to reduce it for each of the past three years. He said that the Campaign for Real Ale have urged the Chancellor to continue with this commitment in the upcoming budget.
Following a tour of Parliament, Steve was able to pull a few pints of Bowstring from behind Stranger’s Bar and Michael presented Eight Arch Brewing with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the Parliamentary Beer Group.