Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond was treated to some award-winning beer on Thursday evening at Twickenham Fine Ales.

Mr Hammond visited the brewery with Conservative parliamentary candidate Dr Tania Mathias on the day a new fermenting vessel was installed, which will increase the business’s capacity by 20 per cent.

The Foreign Secretary and Dr Mathias were given a tour by owner Steve Brown and master brewer Stuart Medcalf, and discussed what could be done to aid similar businesses.

Mr Hammond said: "It was great to see this local Twickenham business expanding its operation with plans to export and help support local jobs. They make fantastic local ale.

"The south-west London economy is doing well since the great recession with more jobs, more businesses and greater business confidence. That’s why we need to stick with the long-term economic plan and finish the job."