MP puts in a shift at her local pub

The member of Parliament for Devizes has visited a local pub as part of an initiative by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.

Publican Kurt Turner and his partner Licensee Samantha Creech welcomed Ms Perry to their Wadworth pub

The group is encouraging MPs to work as bartenders for a shift to help them understand the issues currently faced by the on-trade.

During her visit to The White Horse at Winterbourne Basset, near Swindon, Claire Perry MP, who is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub group and the Beer group, pulled a few pints and chatted to staff and locals.

Publican Kurt Turner and his partner Licensee Samantha Creech, who are tenants for Wadworth Brewery said they were delighted to welcome their local MP.

Kurt said: “Claire was very interested to hear about life as a Publican and the challenges we face. She recognises the importance of the pub as a social hub for communities, and wanted to hear how we have been able to encourage customers into our pub.”

Wadworth marketing and sales director Paul Sullivan added: “It’s always welcome to see MPs supporting our industry and experiencing the challenges faced by the trade at grass roots level, from duty to employment. With more measured support from government we feel sure that this industry can thrive once again and bolster the economy.

“We are very grateful to Mrs Perry for spending time behind one of our bars, especially given the other responsibilities she has in the government agenda.”