Hackney pub brews Diane Abbott-inspired mojito beer after M&S can storm

A Hackney pub today began brewing a Diane Abbott-inspired “mojito beer” in wake of the storm caused by the Labour MP drinking a Marks and Spencer can of the cocktail on a London Overground train.

The Cock Tavern, in Mare Street, is brewing 500 pints using demerara sugar, fresh mint and limes.

The five per cent-strength beer will be named “Solidarity” in support of Ms Abbott, who represents neighbouring constituency Hackney North and Stoke Newington.

Manager Christian Campbell told the Standard: “We’re a beer pub and we like to brew beers our customers enjoy. Diane is well-liked by our customers so we wanted to show her some love with this beer.”

Ms Abbott, a veteran MP of 32 years, apologised “sincerely” last week after the Sun published a picture of her sipping the mojito can. Alcohol has been banned on all public transport in London since 2008.

Asked what he made of the storm, Mr Campbell said: “Honestly? I thought it was relatable.

“In the pub we often talk about politics, Brexit and all that nonsense. We’re not fans of people like Nigel Farage, posing in pubs with his pint. That’s a popular image, but when you see someone stressed and busy having a cheeky M&S mojito it’s a big story.

“But actually, it was very relatable if you live in London.”

Mr Campbell added Ms Abbott, a veteran MP of 32 years, is an occasional visitor to the pub. She is known to enjoy an IPA.

The Solidarity brew will be ready in two weeks’ time, and Mr Campbell predicted: “It will be tasty, and hopefully the sun will be shining when it’s ready.”

Mr Campbell’s pub is not alone in supporting Ms Abbott’s mojito drinking. Earlier this week, more than 5,000 people pledged to “sip a cheeky can of mojito on the London Overground” in a Facebook event.