Okells has launched St Nick, its celebrated seasonal ale that heralds the start of the Christmas season.
St Nick arrived on a festively lit Okells dray, first to the Whitestone Inn in Ballasalla, then to the Prospect Hotel in Douglas and finally the Swan Hotel in Ramsey…and then Island wide.
Heron and Brearley’s retail director Steven Taylor said: ‘St Nick signifies the start of Christmas for many of our customers and is highly anticipated. Heron and Brearley continues to play a major role in the festivities, with entertainment, food and great service.’
He went on to say: ‘This year our food pubs seem to be first choice for many, both in the lead up to Christmas and on Christmas Day as well.’
Among customers at the Prospect was CAMRA branch chairman Martyn Anderson who said: ‘St Nick has a malty flavour and it’s a good ale for winter. CAMRA welcomes the choice of seasonal ales Okells is providing, which is a good fit with our campaign to promote the sale of quality cask ales. Okells is continuing to produce a range of cask ales at a time when we’re seeing pubs in the UK withdrawing that level of choice.’
Mr Taylor added: ‘It was great to see the enthusiasm from our customers at the Whitestone, Prospect and Swan as they celebrated St Nick’s arrival and as ever we continued the tradition by sharing a few pints together.’
Photo shows ‘elves-for-the-evening’ Joe Houghton and Rowenna Tucker bringing in the first keg of St Nick to the Prospect Hotel, Douglas.
