Pubs plan vintage celebration

Four pubs in north Cumbria will mark the 30th anniversary of a national chain by serving wines with a connection to 1979.  Pubs in Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington will toast J D Wetherspoon by selling the range of six wines for the first time.

Customers can buy them as part of a 20-day wine festival from August 28.

James Gordon is the manager of one of the participating pubs, The Woodrow Wilson on Botchergate, Carlisle

He said: “This is an eclectic mix of wines which have never previously been served in the pub. I believe it will be an enjoyable way for customers to toast the special occasion.”

Also taking part will be Lloyd No.1 bar The William Rufus, on Botchergate, The Bransty Arch in Bransty Row, Whitehaven and The Henry Bessemer in New Oxford Street, Workington.

The wines include Spanish red Coronas 2006, produced by winemaker Miguel Torres. He stunned the wine world in 1979, when one of his bottles triumphed in a blind tasting against some of the world’s most famous vintages.