A BEACONSFIELD inn has relaunched an ancient ale to become the only pub in a 25-mile radius serving the brew.

The Royal Standard, in Forty Green, last served Owd Roger by tap 30 years ago.

But after a long wait, customers will be able to sample the beer on draught as a "winter warmer".

Landlord Matthew O'Keefe explained: "The pub was famous for Owd Roger in the 50s, 60s and 70s but when the brewery got taken over they stopped making it.

"They only started making it again this winter and we have brought it back home."

The Owd Roger brew has been served for some 500 years and it is said that the ale was actually brewed at The Royal Standard which at around 900 years old is thought to be one of the oldest pubs in the country.

Matthew said: "The pub has a brewing history that dates back to Saxon times and legend has it that the ale was brewed in the pub.

"It's even mentioned on an American website."

The strength of the Marston's brewed beer has since been reduced from 10 per cent to just 7.6 per cent.

Because of this strength many old wives tales surround the ale.

Matthew said: "Back in the 50s, the old landlady would only sell it by the half pint because it was so strong.

"It is amazing how many people remember the beer and it seems to have acquired its own folklore.

"There's even a large amount of foreigners coming into the pub and asking for it."

Turnover has tripled since Mr O'Keefe took over behind the bar seven months ago.

He says a back-to-basics approach has proved successful, with a focus on customer care and good food at reasonable prices.

Matthew, who hails from nearby Taplow, said: "Our oldest customer has been coming here for 70 years.

"I may own the pub but the customers are the real owners."

With a landlord career spanning nine years, including spells at the Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath and the Windsor Castle, Kensington, Matthew is well- placed to judge what makes a pub tick.

He said: "Owning a pub is about bringing it to the people.

"What the pub did for the social history of this country was break down barriers and help people to mix.

"Britain made the pub and it is the envy of the world."

Andrew Smith