Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger got a taste of life behind a bar to celebrate a Bridgwater pub getting back in business.
The MP visited The Duke, on High Street, to celebrate its re-opening following a major investment by leaseholders Aiden Croker, Stephanie Mee and Paul Russell in partnership with Punch Taverns.
Aiden, Stephanie and Paul took Mr Liddell-Grainger on a tour of the premises and then invited him behind the bar to pull a pint.
The MP said: “I am very pleased to visit The Duke and see the transformation at first hand. It is good to see that the pub has retained its character and remained in keeping with the sports bar branding that makes it so popular.
“It has a loyal following in the community and they are happy to have their pub back. I wish Aiden and the team all the very best in their impressively refurbished premises.”
Aiden was delighted with the pub’s positive start and Mr Liddell-Grainger’s visit to the pub: “It’s great to see a local MP supporting the pub industry, especially as there has been such pressure on the sector in recent years,” he said.
Picture: Behind the bar at The Duke are (left right) Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, licensees Aiden Croker and Steph Mee, and Kevin Day-McDonnell of Punch Taverns