‘ALE Caesar was on the lips of scores of soggy shoppers at Cirencester’s Farmers Market last weekend.

A pair of Roman Soldiers braved rusting up in the rain to offer market browsers the first taste of three locally brewed Corinium-themed ales.

Created by local couple Lucy Cordrey and Colin Knight, the ales called Corinium Gold, Centurion and Ale Caesar are the culmination of just over a year’s worth of trial and error in their Cirencester garage.

Lucy, who is chairman of Cirencester’s Campaign for Real Ale branch, said: "You’re never going to get your perfect brew straight away.

"We had a taster session with friends in the summer which has helped us to refine what we’re producing. And we’re still refining now – it’s only the beginning."

Lucy added that although Corinium Ales was potentially the smallest micro-brewery in the Cotswolds, she hoped the Roman Collection, which draws inspiration from Cirencester’s heritage, would make a big impression on local people.

She said: "We’d like to think that one day we’ll be able to pop into a local pub or restaurant and see Corinium Ales on the menu."