A TRIO of faithful friends have brewed an ale fit for a king, but are hoping it will be in the hands of every commoner when Wootton Bassett is crowned next month.

Braydon Ales, a microbrewery set up by friends Paul Harrison, Simon Cole and Dave Dodd, all of Wootton Bassett, have brewed a special ale to mark the award of the Royal charter to the market town.

Named RWB (Royal Wootton Bassett), the beer is a four per cent light copper coloured ale, with a gentle bitter aftertaste provided through the use of three different hops.

The beer will be available to local pubs and direct from the brewery for the months of September and October, and brewer Paul Harrison hopes it will be on tap in most of the town’s plethora of boozers.

Paul said: “We have deliberately wanted to make something to commemorate the event and we’ve priced it quite low so everyone can have a bit.

“It’s something everyone can try – not just hardcore ale drinkers, but we’ve had good feedback from the Waggon and Horses.

“Hopefully Princess Anne will have a glass – I don’t see any reason why not. We don’t know which pubs it will be in yet, but we hope it will be in as many as possible.”

Simon Cole from Braydon Ales and landlord of the Five Bells in Wootton Bassett said: “We simply could not let this special occasion for the Town pass without marking it in the most effective way we are able, hopefully helping all to celebrate.

“Having lived in Wootton Bassett all my life I’m proud of both the role the town has played in recent years and the bestowing of the Royal status.”

The trio started brewing after Dave left the RAF following more than 25 years service as a flight engineer, and teamed up with self-employed Paul, who had dreamed of making his own brews.

The pair were regular drinkers in the Five Bells pub and were friends with landlord Simon, who also wanted to start a brewery venture.

Calling the beer RWB breaks the brewery’s policy of naming all the beers after a word from Old Wiltshire dialect, such as Galley-Bagger, a golden hoppy ale, meaning scarecrow.

Simon said: “We looked but did not find any old dialect words related to royalty – perhaps it was treasonous to use anything but Queen and King.”

More information on Braydon Ales can be found on the brewery’s website www.braydonales.co.uk