A CITY centre pub is selling a specially brewed beer in aid of a hospice.

The Market Tavern, in Durham Market Place, began serving Cuthbert’s Select Ale today (Thursday, February 7), having reopened following a £150,000 refurbishment.

Ten pence from every pint sold, at £3.10, will go to St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham.

The 4.4 per cent strength blonde beer with maris otter pale malt is produced at Allendale Brew Company, in Northumberland.

Market Tavern general manager John Higginson said it was selling well and, if it continued to be popular, more would be ordered.

Councillor John Wilkinson, the Mayor of Durham, will officially reopen the Market Tavern tomorrow (Friday, February 8).

The pub, now part of the Taylor Walker chain, has been given a traditional look, with chandeliers, leather booths and old pictures on the walls.

Mr Higginson, who took over in September, said: “It’s such a good refurb. It’s exceeded all my expectations.”