Lewes residents raised a glass as the Queen arrived earlier today to visit Harveys Brewery.
Hundreds of onlookers clutching flags lined the soggy streets outside the brewery waiting patiently for a glimpse of the royal couple.
Just before 12 noon, the convoy made its way over the Cliffe Bridge and swung through the brewery gates to loud cheers.
There was a flash of bright pink through the tinted windows before the doors opened and out stepped the Queen, followed by the Duke of Edinburgh.
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Her Majesty paused briefly to chat to the mayor of Lewes Ruth O’Keeffe and the High Sheriff of East Sussex Graham Peters, before moving inside the brewery for a tour.
Inside, the Queen helped start the brewing process on a batch of Elizabethan Ale, first created in 1953 to celebrate the Coronation.
According to Harveys chairman Hamish Elder, the Duke was “extremely knowledgeable” about the brewing process.
After the tour the royal couple were given lunch in a marquee set up in the Harvey’s yard by the River Ouse.
On the menu was freshly-caught brill from Newhaven, while drinks included Harveys Best Bitter, wine from Hastings, Ridgeview Estate in Ditchling and Nutbourne Vineyard in West Sussex.
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