‘Beerbulance’ on way with emergency delivery

The team behind Decanter Bars, based at Hartlebury, has teamed up with Chris Lowe, the owner of The Swan at Blakedown, near Kidderminster, and breweries, to offer thirsty locals the chance of taking advantage of an eye-catching and Covid safe service.

Using an Italian Paiggio Ape, a three-wheeled flat bed vehicle which they have named the Beerbulance, they started the service to coincide with the first match of the Six Nations against Scotland.

The mobile pub takes orders via The Swan and also offers to serve up gin hampers, complete with mixers and garnishes, to support small British distilleries.

Olly Turner, aged 41, and his 38-year-old brother, Max, from Decanter Bars, said they had recognised that pub-goers were missing out on fresh cask beers while local breweries had stock they needed to sell.

He said: “The Six Nations is always a massive time for the local pubs and breweries as rugby fans flock to watch the games.

Connection

"As fans we were missing it as much as they were and we wanted to do something to help sell excess stock that would otherwise have to go down the drain, so decided to take beer to locals in the Beerbulance.

"It’s pretty striking which has helped to ensure that as many local people as possible know what we are doing.

“It is helping ourselves, the pub and breweries keep going and is a lot of fun for the locals and hopefully is helping break the monotony of lockdown.”

Chris Lowe, the 43-year-old owner of The Swan, added: “The village is so much more quiet than it would normally be at this time of year so it brings a bit of welcome fun to the roads.

"It’s good to maintain the connection with our regulars and help cover costs till we can get back to some sort of normal.

“It’s key for us to ensure everyone’s safety and we are making sure all Covid safety measures are being followed.”

By Sue Smith