Parky hops to it to create a truly special Barnsley brew

HE HAS knelt before the Queen to be knighted and is revered as a national treasure - but for a beer-loving Barnsley lad there is surely no better honour than a tipple in his name.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Dec 2014, 16:09 BST
Thomas Gill of Sheffield brewery Stancill's, which has brewed a charity beer called Parky's PaleThomas Gill of Sheffield brewery Stancill's, which has brewed a charity beer called Parky's Pale
Thomas Gill of Sheffield brewery Stancill's, which has brewed a charity beer called Parky's Pale

Sir Michael Parkinson’s fondness for bitter from his home town has provided the inspiration for a festive fundraising drive.

Stancill Brewery, the business which rescued Parky’s favourite Barnsley Bitter from extinction, asked the veteran broadcaster to collborate with them after hearing of his love of the drink. Together they developed Parky’s Pint of Charity Pale Ale, a “moreish” ale of 3.7 ABV.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After launching in Barnsley at the end of last month, the beer is now on tap in pubs across Yorkshire and beyond. Makers have also delivered 10 barrels to the man himself.

It has proven such a hit with punters that the campaign to raise money for Barnsley Hospice and Parky’s local Alexander Devine hospice in Berkshire looks likely to exceed its £1,000 target, which the presenter will match from his own pocket.

Thomas Gill, Stancill Brewery managing director, said: “We thought - he (Sir Michael) is a Barnsley lad and we’re Barnsley lads so let’s do something together. He had a lot of input with his beer, we’ve already sold out of the first brew.”

Mr Gill and his business partner Dr Adam Hague stepped in to save Barnsley Bitter after the original Oakwell Brewery which made it for 150 years shut its doors. The pair bought up the equipment and hired head brewer John Stancill and re-located to north Sheffield.

Related topics:BarnsleyQueen