THERE is always a good excuse for a pint.
And two MPs chose Pubs Week as a reason to pop into a local and enjoy a beer with the regulars.
John Austin, the MP for Erith and Thamesmead, and David Evennett, who represents Bexleyheath and Crayford, were among more than 100 MPs visiting pubs as part of the celebration organised by trade magazine The Publican.
Mr Austin was in the bar at the Royal Standard, Nuxley Road, Belvedere Village, and spoke to licensee Maria Napper about the challenges facing the modern pub, including the smoking ban and spiralling beer prices.
Meanwhile, Mr Evennett tried his hand at pulling a pint in The Volunteer pub in Church Road, Bexleyheath - a stone's throw from his constituency office.
He said: "Pubs are an important part of the community.
"Excellent pubs such as The Volunteer are an asset to the community.
"The Government must do more to back traditional pubs or we risk losing them."
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