Norwich's Sir Toby's Beers' new brew for market hoover hero

Sir Toby's Beers launched its Barrie the Hoover Man beer to celebrate market legend Barrie Cooper, who has been running his vacuum cleaner stall for decades, to thank him for all his support during the five years the booze business has been trading.

The beer itself, which features a mascot similar to Henry the Hoover on its can, is described as a "hoppy" 6.2pc IPA with hints of tangerine, lime and mango among other flavours.

Barrie the Hoover Man, the latest beer from Sir Toby's Beers (Image: Pavi Pathmaraja)

Stall boss Toby Westgarth says the beer has been "flying off the shelves" with most of those who visited the stall during the Norwich Lanes Fayre and the Lord Mayor's Weekend.

He said: "It's cleaned up, but we've been urging people to hoover responsibly.

Sir Toby's Beers boss, Toby Westgarth (Image: Newsquest)

"We've always wanted to pay homage to Barrie, be that with a beer or with something else like an event so it's great to have it out there.

"We see him every day and he's really selfless if we've left the shutter up or anything he'll call us right away.

Barrie Cooper with the beer which bears his name (Image: Pavi Pathmaraja)

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"He is the grandfather of the market, he keeps an eye out for everyone.

"We're already eyeing up some other market characters to do another after how popular this one has been. It's always great to shout about the market."

Barrie the Hoover Man with its mascot which resembles Henry the Hoover (Image: Pavi Pathmaraja)

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But although Mr Cooper is said to be honoured to have his own beer, Mr Westgarth revealed the regular customer actually prefers a golden lager.

Mr Westgarth added: "He's tried it and many of his friends have come along to pick some up, but he's more of a lager man."

Barrie Cooper tries Barrie the Hoover Man at Sir Toby's Beers (Image: Pavi Pathmaraja)

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The beer can be bought in a keg or can or in a pint or half-pint draught from the stall.

Mr Westgarth said: "We want people to come down and try it, but ultimately we also want people to go and see Barrie, there's nothing about hoovers he doesn't know."

The new beer comes as Sir Toby's Beers starts to open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays to allow drinkers to soak up the evening sun.