27TH MAY 2009
One would like to try your beer
A WIGAN microbrewery's beer has got the Roy-ale seal of approval.
AllGates, were delighted to receive a gilt edged request during Her Majesty The Queen’s recent official visit.
The firm, which has revived an historic brewhouse behind the Post Office in Wigan town centre, supplied three different types of bottled ale to quench the thirst of the Royal Party during its duties in Wigan and Leigh last week.
This prestigious honour came just weeks after it beat off competition from a gaggle of much bigger and longer established rivals to securing an order for 40,000 bottles of the Porteresque beer by supermarket giant Sainsbury’s. AllGates Head Brewer John Woodhead said: “We thought someone was winding us up when we first got the phone call.
"Fortunately we realised this was a genuine one from Christopher Smith, the event organiser at Leigh Sports Village, and we were delighted to oblige. It’s not everyday you get asked to provide a few bottles for the Royal Family!"
Palace officials provided organisers with a list of requirements – and this had included a selection of locally-brewed bottled beers. Brewer John Spedding said bosses chose the name Four in Hand to reflect HRH Prince Philip’s interest in carriage driving.
His graphic designer partner Mary "adapted the label a little" for the version offered to Prince Philip to show a barmaid carrying four pints.
He added: "We hope this appealed to the Prince’s sense of humour"
AllGates itself, it takes its name from a ginnel at the crossroads of Standishgate, Wallgate and Hallgate.
Director Ian Thorpe, landlord at The Anvil in Dorning Street, added: "There's more to Wigan than pies and the pier!"
l Protocol says we are not able to reveal whether HRH Prince Philip tried a beer.
