The Accidental Santa

November 23, 2015

A Henley man has become an unlikely ‘poster boy’ after stumbling into a festive photo shoot for brewer and pub operator Brakspear in his local, the Angel on the Bridge.

Bob Bleakley, known affectionately as Captain Bob to his fellow drinkers, was at the bar when Kate Thomas, Brakspear’s marketing assistant, arrived to take a photo for a Santa hat promotion linked to Oh Be Joyful, their December seasonal ale.  Bob said, “We got chatting, one thing led to another – and I expect one drink led to another – and soon I was standing behind the bar wearing a Santa hat and holding a pint of beer.”

The posters for Oh Be Joyful will be appearing in Brakspear pubs in and around Henley from late November and Bob is hopeful his modelling debut may lead to greater things. He said, “I don’t expect David Beckham is worried about my arrival on the modelling scene just yet, but I’m certainly open to doing more.”

Drinkers in and around Henley can emulate Bob’s look by claiming their free Santa hat when they buy five pints of Oh Be Joyful. This is the third year that Brakspear have given away the festive headwear, which this year comes with a sparkly pom pom as well as a high quality, extra-fluffy feel. Hats will be available in most Brakspear pubs throughout December while stocks last.

Captain Bob opted to have his modelling fee paid for in Côte du Rhône, rather than cash. Brakspear have made sure there are a few bottles paid for behind the bar at the Angel for him to enjoy at his leisure. Kate added “Of course, we’d rather have given Brakspear beer instead of red wine, but these model-types can be tricky when they don’t get their own way so we honoured his request.”