Theresa May-themed beer on draught at Berkshire pubs

Two pubs in Theresa May’s constituency are marking their MP’s ascendance to the rank of Prime Minister with a beer named after the former Home Secretary. 

The Crown and the Old Swan Uppers, both in Cookham, Berkshire, begin serving the beer, called Come What May, a 4.3% ABV golden pale ale, on draught today (20 July), to mark May’s first Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).

Raising a pint

Katie Roberts-Smith, of the Old Swan Uppers, said: “Our local MP is now the PM so, of course, we’ll be raising a pint.

“We hope she’ll find time in her busy schedule to pop along and have a drink on the house – perhaps she could test her knowledge with the regulars at our monthly quiz night?”

May’s record on pubs

May, however, has a questionable record when it comes to legislation affecting the pub trade.

She introduced late-night levies and Early Morning Restriction Orders in 2012, which CPL Training director Paul Chase branded a "complete failure".

However, a spokesperson for the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) said that while some of May’s initiatives were "unhelpful", her recognition that businesses selling alcohol were not party to alcohol-related crimes was more welcome.

The spokesperson told The Morning Advertiser: “Though we did not always agree on her methods, her tenure at the Home Office has seen a marked and necessary shift in Government towards this more nuanced and adult perspective on our vital industry.”