The Isle of Wight’s independent drinks industry is once again making its mark in Westminster, as Goddards Brewery’s Ale of Wight has officially joined the selection at the House of Commons Strangers’ Bar.
This follows the success of Isle of Wight Gin and Mermaid Gin, which began being served in the bar in December 2025, further cementing the Island’s growing reputation for high-quality, locally crafted beverages.
Members of Parliament can nominate suppliers for the bar, and thanks to the intervention of Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, Ale of Wight is now proudly being poured alongside the Island’s acclaimed spirits.
Richard Quigley said he was delighted to support another Island business:
“As the Island’s oldest brewery, Goddards holds a special place in our culture and community. Bringing Ale of Wight into Westminster felt like the least I could do to showcase the fantastic talent we have back home. I’m always keen to champion the brilliance of Isle of Wight businesses, across all parties, colleagues are impressed by the quality of what our small Island produces.”
The move comes alongside Richard’s recent work with Island pubs to secure much-needed business rates support. As the owner of a small hospitality business himself, Richard has been a consistent advocate in Parliament for pubs across the Isle of Wight.
His sustained engagement with Ministers was recently recognised on the floor of the House, where the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury praised him as “a relentless advocate for businesses in his constituency,” noting that his constructive, solutions-focused approach directly helped shape the measures announced in January, including a 15% business rates reduction for pubs.
The addition of Ale of Wight highlights the growing recognition of the Isle of Wight’s food and drink sector on the national stage and reinforces ongoing efforts to promote local producers to a wider audience.
Bob Simpson the Isle of Wight General Manager of Powder Monkey said:
“It was fantastic to visit Parliament and see Ale of Wight on display in Strangers. We’re incredibly proud to have this celebration of the Island showcased here, and we’re grateful to Richard for making it possible.”
Ye olde chocolate teapot pops up yet again. When is he going to useful?
Nice to see Wrigley Quigerly pouring pints. May need these skills when searching for a new job after the next general election(if there are any hospitality venues left after Liebor tax increases)
It’s amazing that drinking in the Commons workplace is both accepted and subsidised by the tax payer. There should be absolutely no bars or subsidised restaurants allowed in the houses of Parliament. This column only highlights the disgusting abuse of taxpayers money.
Subsiisted food and drink or not makes no difference all goes on expense account anyway.
From what I have seen since the pandemic.
I didn’t think Parliament could organise a
p*ss up in a brewery!