Beer inspired by Norwich MP helps raise over £1000 for children’s charity

Earlier this week, Norwich based Chalk Hill Brewery, and music and arts venue The Owl Sanctuary, announced a partnership with Norwich South MP Clive Lewis, and Norwich Nelson Ward Labour Party for which they created a new beer called Left Winger.

The beer was launched on Thursday July 19 at Fiesta Socialista, a fund-raising event hosted by Nelson Ward Labour Party at The Owl Sanctuary on Timber Hill.

Robbie Wincup, Head Brewer at Chalk Hill Brewery said: 'We got involved in the project back in January, Dan at The Owl Sanctuary contacted me and said he wanted them to have their own beer. Things got put on hold with their move, but then Clive Lewis stepped in to help them out, Once they got settled in their new venue we started working on plans for the beer again and because Mr Lewis had been involved, the Norwich Labour Party decided they wanted to host an event at The Owl Sanctuary and it all progressed from there. Dan sent over all the designs for the beer and Grain Brewery bottled it for us.'

Mp for Norwich South, Clive Lewis, having fun at Fiesta Socialista. Photo: Claire Read (Image: Archant)

The Labour Party's fundraiser featured a full programme of entertainment throughout the evening, including live music from Cuban band, Cubanda and a blues set from The Mighty Guevaras.

All profits from the ticket sales are going to Refugee Child, a nonpolitical organisation who help children suffering in desperate conditions.

Claire Read, Nelson Ward Labour Events Organiser and Fundraiser said: 'The event was brilliant, there were close to 200 in attendance and overall we raised £1200 for Refugee Child, which is a cause close to my heart. We also held a raffle on the night which raised £260 for The Norwich Soup Movement and money from the Left Winger beer sold on tap and in gift sets raised a little bit to support our local Labour branch. The atmosphere was great and it was really nice to have the chance to raise money for such good causes.'

Owl Sanctuary Manager, Dan Hawcroft, added: 'Fiesta Socialista went really well, the response to both the event and the launch of Left Winger has been phenomenal - I've had loads of other venues call to ask if they can stock the beer too!'

Norwich South MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Clive Lewis, was also pleased with the event and creation of Left Winger and took to Twitter to share his thoughts Thursday evening, tweeting: 'My wonderful constituents have brewed a beer for me! Tonight we sold it and raised thousands of pounds for refugee children'.

This post was followed by a rather tongue-in-cheek comment regarding the suggestion that a beer should also be brewed for the Conservative Party. Mr Lewis responded: 'Yes think they'll be making a Tory one next...Think it'll be a bitter tho'.

• Left Winger is currently available from The Owl Sanctuary.