Port pint passes taste test for local charity

Port of Blyth’s distinctive blond beer ‘Seas the Day’ is brewed by the leading north east brewers Anarchy Brew Co. and is now stocked by Blyth’s Commissioners Quay Inn, with 5p from every pint sold donated to the Blyth Tall Ship charity. 

The Northumberland port, known as the one of the UK’s leading offshore energy support bases, was searching for a way to stand out from the crowd at the leading port and energy related conference it exhibits at throughout the UK and Europe.

Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive at Port of Blyth, said: “We were looking for a gift that people would remember us by and what better way to help them do that than with a bottle of our own great tasting beer! Having partnered with Anarchy to produce the beer, at the first conference we took it to we nearly ran out on the first day and soon realised we were on to a good thing. We approached the Commissioners Quay with a view to them stocking it with a percentage going to charity and were delighted that they bought into the idea straight away.”

Dan Evans, General Manager of the Commissioners Quay Inn, said: “We are really proud to be the first outlet for ‘Seas the Day’, further strengthening our ties with the Port of Blyth as their accommodation partner and Anarchy Brew Co. who have supplied us since opening. It is a great opportunity to help Blyth Tall Ship with the fantastic work they do with young people from the local area.”

Blyth Tall Ship is an educational charity offering local youngsters a route into employment through traditional boat building skills and qualifications. They are currently fundraising for ‘The Williams Expedition’ which aims to commemorate the discovery of Antarctica that was made by Blyth merchant seaman Captain William Smith in 1819. 

The charity is currently restoring a working tall ship in Blyth and is set to recreate Captain Smith’s expedition with a local crew sailing her south to Cape Horn and Antarctica almost exactly 200 years on from the original discovery. 

Dawn Miles, co-owner of the brewery, said: “Anarchy Brew Co. is really pleased to be involved with this project and to be working alongside the Port of Blyth and the Commissioners Quay Inn to bring a great beer to life and support such a great cause.”