Today Jim swapped Parliament for a shift pulling pints at the Tharp Arms in Chippenham to learn more about the challenges facing the UK brewing and pub industry. He completed a shift at the popular local to experience life behind the bar and the role that local pubs play in society as a place for socialising and building community spirit.

 

Jim’s shift at the Tharp Arms, leased from pub operator and brewer Greene King, was organised as part of an initiative by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, of which Greene King are members, to develop a deeper understanding amongst parliamentarians of the UK’s pub industry.  

 

As well as getting to grips with barman basics like pulling a proper pint, changing a barrel and cleaning the pipes, Jim spent time talking to licensee of the Tharp Arms, Mark Daniels, about the current issues faced by licensees and the industry’s contribution to tourism, employment and the economy as well as meeting local residents who had popped in for a drink.

 

Mark said: “What better way to get to know our industry than to actually come and work with us for the afternoon. All the team had a great time showing Mr Paice the ropes and our customers really enjoyed being served by their local MP. I hope the experience also provided a greater insight and understanding as to how pubs operate so Mr Paice can help represent licensees like myself in Parliament.”

 

Jim said, “I have always believed that the pub plays a crucial role in community life and am dismayed at the current rate at which they are having to close. Spending time behind the bar today only served to reinforce my view that local pubs are part of the fabric of local life and an important source of enterprise, business and community action and need all the support they can get.”

 

Jim’s notional wages from the shift will be donated to the Viva Arts and Community Group in Soham.