Kettering pub to mark Brexit with celebration party

The Rising Sun in Silver Street, which re-opened in November, has planned a 'good old Cockney knees-up' for Friday, January 31, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit bill was backed by MPs.

Manager Dave Cooper, who previously ran The Earl of Dalkeith pub just down the road, said: "Let's celebrate a bit of democracy for once. For far too long the result wasn't accepted but now it is finally going to happen.

"We'll be serving beef stew with proceeds going to Help for Heroes and the pub will be decorated with bunting and red, white and blue.

"Everyone is welcome - I've spoken to a number of people who voted to remain who now accept we are coming out and everyone thinks this celebration is a fantastic idea."

Mr Cooper has his own Union flag jacket - just like the one worn by the town's Brexit-supporting MP Philip Hollobone - and says he is known as Mr Brexit.

And it will be a double celebration as he will be celebrating his birthday on the same day.

Mr Hollobone, who was re-elected by an overwhelming majority last month, will be attending and joining staff behind the bar.

He said: "I think Dave's idea is a really good one. I know there are a lot of local people that want to celebrate on Brexit day.

"I am looking forward to joining Dave and the rest of his crew."

Mr Cooper said the pub will be playing 'old-fashioned English songs' from 10am to 1.30pm.

Mr Hollobone will join the party at about 2pm when the 'cockney knees-up' begins with music from local band Bread 'n' Drippin'.