Hail the Black Cab! Spalding pub The Moorings becomes one of first to stock stout outside of London

A pub is hailing the Black Cab after becoming one of the first hostelries in the country to stock the stout outside of the capital.

Keir Moore, who owns The Moorings in Spalding, says he is happy to be a ‘Guinea pig’ for London brewery Fuller’s after signing a new multi-drink deal.

“It’s gone crazy since it’s been here. We’ve gone through more than six kegs in four weeks,” he said.

“That’s not bad seeing as we’re predominantly food here.

“Customer feedback has been fantastic so far, and its been doing brilliantly for this time of year when you expect Guinness and other stouts to slow down.

“It’s a great brand.”

While Guinness is often the stout of choice for many drinkers, times seem to be changing with rivals - such as BrewDog’s Black Heart and Camden Stout, also previously stocked at the Commercial Road pub - looking to compete with the market leader.

And with Black Cab now looking further afield than London, customers could soon be seeing the drink elsewhere.

“I think I’ve been the Guinea pig. When they trial something out the area they often go somewhere small. I’ve never been afraid to be different to any other pub,” added Keir.

“When the opportunity with Black Cab came along I pushed for it, speaking to rep about it.

“We don’t have any hardcore Guinness drinkers here, we have a variety. So I wasn’t upsetting anyone by taking the brand out.

“I was happy to try something else and it worked.”

Keir became so invested in the drink he even forced some Fuller’s staff to do a taste test between Black Cab and its main competitor on a recent corporate day at Twickenham.

“Some of the boys had not even tried their own brand, and I’m a big believer in it, I think it’s a great drop,” he said.

“They couldn’t believe the different in taste. They now realise how good it is.”

The deal to bring in Black Cab has been struck with Asahi, which owns Fuller’s, and also includes The Moorings stocking Cornish Orchards cider and Asahi Super Dry lager.

“In my rep’s whole area, outside of London, I’m the first to have Black Cab, he can’t believe how well it’s gone,” Keir continued.

“It’s been phenomenal. Fuller’s is predominantly London, so to be the first to get it out of London is fantastic.

“I’m hoping to see it in more places.”