The Bird in the Hand pub in Austrey had a surprise new member of staff when local Member of Parliament Craig Tracey worked an evening shift pulling pints and collecting glasses.
Pub regulars were shocked to find their MP serving drinks in their local on a busy summer Friday night.
North Warwickshire & Bedworth’s MP commented:
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak to residents in a more social setting, it brought me back to when I was younger and worked in a local pub. The Bird in Hand in Austrey is a great community village pub where I have enjoyed a drink with my wife down the years.
I am very keen to support local pubs in the area and we should never underestimate the value they bring to our local community, not just from a social angle, but also in helping combat issues like loneliness, which can lead to greater impact on our emergency services ”
Craig Tracey admitted he did get some surprised looks from patrons at first, but said he would definitely do it again.
Pub Landlord Gareth Griffiths commented:
"It was nice to see Craig putting in some hard graft behind the bar! It's also good to see our MP out and about in the community, able to answer questions to people who maybe wouldn't normally take the time to go and see him personally. Craig and his family are always welcome at the Bird in Hand, and it was great to see him at such an informal occasion. Same again next week???"