Royal baby beer released

A brewery in Hertford is hoping to make the most of the new royal birth after releasing a special ale to mark the arrival of the third in line to the throne.

McMullen Brewery, which operates 49 tenanted pubs and over 80 managed outlets, has released its Heir Raiser beer after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a boy on Monday afternoon.

Production and sales director Fergus McMullen said: “We are eagerly awaiting the birth of the prince or princess and as part of our seasonal brews we thought it would be ideal to wet the baby’s head with.

“We’ve been going since 1827 and we’ve seen quite a number of royal births in our time and every royal birth is a special one.”

Heir Raiser is a 4% abv ale, which is described as being a “light coloured, crisp refreshing pint with a light, hoppy finish”.

One pub, which is named after the Duchess of Cambridge, has already started pulling pints of the new brew in Windsor, Berkshire.

Speaking to the Press Association before Monday’s birth, Daniell Park, manager of the Duchess of Cambridge, said: “The day after the baby is born, we are going to be throwing a party with tea and cakes.

“We have got some banners ready to go up when we find out whether it’s a boy or a girl.

“We have also got our special McMullen’s beer which is already proving to be very popular.”

Barmaid Katie Wilson, added: “It’s going to be the first main Royal baby since Harry so everyone is really excited.

“It’s something that’s brought everyone together.

“Everyone is interested in whether it’s going to be a boy or a girl, and when it’s going to happen. It’s given everyone a real buzz.”

Meanwhile John Haley, who owns the Old Boot Inn near the Duchess’s parents’ home in Bucklebury, said on Monday night: “It’s just amazing news. When we heard the announcement it was a boy, the place just exploded.

“We are all having a massive party, it’s a great atmosphere and it’s all kicked off. It’s great that Kate and her son are doing well.”