WHEN pubs closed as part of the lockdown, they had to cancel their orders for beer.

As a result many breweries, including Stroud Brewery, were left with large quantities of ale on their hands.

“We were left with a cool store full of cask and keg beer, around 3,500 litres, which would have gone to waste,” said managing director Greg Pilley.

Not wanting their beer to go to waste, and keen to do something to support people during the pandemic, the brewery team has found a way of getting their supplies out to Stroud’s beer lovers, and help the community at the same time.

They have joined forces with The Long Table, which has been delivering free meals to those in need throughout the pandemic.

Together they have launched The Long Table community pale ale.

"We're excited to launch our community pale ale in collaboration with The Long Table," said Greg.

It's a delicious dry hopped, golden ale in 330ml can, and10p from every can will be donated to feeding people in our community."

As well as ordering beer from the brewery’s own website bit.ly/2TldYz4, the cans can also be purchased locally from Stroud Farmers Market food hub and StroudCo (stroudco.org.uk).