Demob happy MPs have spent their last days before the summer holidays boozing on Suffolk beer in the House of Commons.

Sudbury brewer Mauldons has provided a keg for the tap in the Strangers’ bar, often frequented by politicians and their guests.

Steve and Alison Sims travelled to Westminster this week to enjoy a pint of their Pickwick bitter in the shadow of the London eye on the House of Commons terrace.

They were met by South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge, who arranged for the 4.2pc bitter to be on sale in the bar in Westminster.

“A priority of mine is to promote and champion local producers of which Mauldons are a leading brewer in Sudbury. I am delighted they are available for my colleagues to drink.

“In the demob happy spirit as we near recess I am sure the excellent beer will be extremely popular,” said Mr Cartlidge.

The bar has a rotation of small brewers from across the UK.

Mauldons beer was last served over a decade ago when the Blackadder Stout was on tap.

Mr Sims said: “It tells everybody we are here. We have been around for a long time now and we look at this as recognition for the time and effort we put into the industry. It is a wonderful setting.”

The husband and wife team, who own the family-run small business, arrived in time to see the Speaker’s procession as the parliamentary sitting started.

Mr Sims said it was “wonderful” to see the history and heritage – something that the two places had in common, with Mauldons’ brewery dating back to 1785.

He praised the Government for its support on beer duty. “We have been able to invest in a new plant and machinery, so long may that continue,” he added.