Mark Anderson, Managing Director of Maxim Brewery (left) and Bridget Phillipson MP, Houghton and Sunderland South (right)

Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson went behind the bar at the House of Commons last Tuesday to pull pints of locally brewed ale, ‘Double Maxim’.
Bridget Phillipson MP arranged for ‘Double Maxim’ to be featured as a local ale in the House of Commons and invited the brewery down to Westminster to join her for the first pouring.  Maxim Brewery’s flagship ale ‘Double Maxim’ is now on tap for MPs and House of Commons staff in the Strangers’ Bar all week.

The House of Commons reported strong sales of Double Maxim on the opening night.

Mark Anderson, Managing Director of Maxim Brewery, said:

“We at Maxim have a long and proud tradition of producing quality real ale from our brewery in Houghton le Spring.

“Our premium ale, Double Maxim, dates back to 1901. It’s thanks to our local Member of Parliament, Bridget Phillipson that we’re able to show off Double Maxim in our nation’s Parliament.

“As a small business, its vital that politicians are aware we provide a vital boost to the economy, are a highly skilled and technically challenging industry, and most importantly produce a great tasting ale.”

‘’It is particularly good timing for raising the profile of our historic ale during the week when the commons debated the beer duty escalator and the effects taxation, legislation and pre – loading is having on many struggling public houses. The increase in beer duty of 42% has actually caused a direct pub price increase of 88% equivalent to 38p per pint and it is beyond belief that the Country’s unique national drink is not protected to an equivalent basis of that of France or Italy.’’

Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson, said:

“I’m delighted Double Maxim is being showcased in the Strangers Bar for other MPs and House of Commons staff to enjoy and by all reports sales are going strong.

“It’s important to support the work of local businesses such as Maxim Brewery who have a long and proud history of producing quality real ale.