The Claret Free House in Croydon has celebrated selling 1 million pints of Palmers Best Bitter. The Dorset fine cask ale first went on the bar in 1986 as a guest beer and was an immediate success with customers.

‘They just love Palmers in Croydon,’ said general manager Don Burton. ‘The Best is a well-balanced beer with a smooth taste and it’s always delivered in good condition. If there are ever any problems, I can speak to the brewery direct and they get it sorted quickly.

‘We’ve tried the whole range of Palmers’ ales over the years and they are all very popular with my customers, but the Best is definitely the best!’

Palmers’ Sales and Marketing Director Cleeves Palmer and Head Brewer Darren Batten visited the pub this week to present Don with a certificate for his ale sales.

‘1 million pints is a substantial sales achievement,’ said Cleeves Palmer. ‘I am delighted that people in Croydon appreciate our ales so much. Long may it continue.’

Cleeves Palmer has handled the sales account throughout and visited the pub regularly since 1986.

Head Brewer Darren Batten said: ‘I enjoy working with Don to make sure that the Claret gets our ales in top condition.’

Palmers’ ales are made the traditional way using the finest malt and hops at The Old Brewery in Bridport, near the Dorset Coast. Established in 1794, Palmers is one of the last remaining independent family brewers. It owns 55 pubs in the West Country and also sells its ales to the best free houses across the South.

The Claret Free House in Addiscombe Road is a haven for cask ale drinkers and usually offers six different types of beer. It has a sister outlet in Cheam, the Claret Wine Bar, which is under the same management and also sells Palmers ales.