James May gives swaps his Aston Martins for Chiswick ale

Local beer lover James May will be turning from Aston Martins to ale this October as he takes to the small screens for Chiswick brewer Fuller’s London Pride.

May, well known as a connoisseur of a good pint, said: “London Pride is a British classic that deserves wider fame and fortune. More than that, it’s absolutely bloody lovely. I don’t really do advertising, but for a beer like this, I’m happy to make an exception.

“I love beer, I love London Pride and now, after this campaign, I’m hoping I can move into the brewery permanently and possibly even be adopted by the Fuller’s family. I’m not sure they’ll go for it, but it’s worth a try,” James added.

Fuller’s Beer Company Managing Director, John Roberts, said: “It’s well known that James appreciates fine British craftsmanship so he’s a great brand ambassador for London Pride. We’re confident he can bring a British classic to a whole new audience.

“He knows a good beer when he tastes one – London Pride is his local and favourite beer - so it wasn’t hard to persuade him to work with us. Although a couple of free pints and a pork pie did help.”

James will also be hosting an online tour of family-owned Fuller’s 350-year-old brewery in Chiswick, a Fuller’s pub quiz and a tutored beer tasting, with Fuller’s Head Brewer John Keeling, to support the campaign, hosted on the London Pride Facebook site.

The ads hit TV screens across the country on October 12th.

October 4, 2010