All hands to the pumps at Barrasford Arms
Last updated 16:39, Thursday, 06 November 2008
CLASSIC beer hand pumps languishing in the loft of the Barrasford Arms for over 30 years have been returned to the bar to complement the pub’s range of real ales.
Although they had been carefully stored, the hand pumps, made by Gaskill and Chambers in 1955 were sent to Real Ale Technical Services, which brought them back to their original condition.
Among those to pull a pint on them was Hexham MP Peter Atkinson, who was joined for lunch by the chairman of regional development agency One NorthEast, Margaret Fay.
Chef Tony Binks, whose idea it was to get the hand pumps up and running again, said: “Pulling pints from these pumps is not as easy as it looks.
“There is a technique, but Peter pulled a fine pint at his first attempt.”
The Hexham MP is a fan of real ale and is keen to support the local micro-breweries that have sprung up throughout Tynedale.
He said: “I enjoy visiting local pubs and trying a pint of beer brewed just a few miles down the road.
“The growth in local breweries is one of the real success stories of rural diversification, and it is great to see pubs like the Barrasford Arms supporting these businesses.
“I am grateful to Margaret Fay for taking the time to visit the North Tyne. It was a perfect opportunity for us to showcase this area and to demonstrate how our local businesses are being mutually supportive.”
