A Sutton Reverend has done the second best thing for drinkers other than turning water into wine by continuing the endearing tradition of ‘blessing the pumps.’

Justine Middlemiss, Revered of St Nicholas Church, in St Nicholas Way, visited the Robin Hood pub where she carried out the annual custom.

The blessing of the pumps is quirky tradition that dates back to the 1600s and involves sprinkling holy water on the pumps and saying a prayer at the pub’s doors, bar, kitchen, garden and, less glamorously, the toilets.

Rev Middlemiss blessed the pumps on Sunday, December 4, as it is the nearest to the feast of St Nicholas.

St Nick is an important figure to publicans as well as children wanting presents as he is, among other things, the patron saint of landlords.

Richard Clifton, Mayor of Sutton, said: “It has been something that has been done for some years, but it’s the first one where I’ve been Mayor which was quite exciting.

“I like traditions like this that add a little bit of colour to the everyday.”

The tradition was also revived by Father Lee who blessed the Dog and Bull pub in Croydon in August.

What do you think about this tradition? Email: anders.anglesey@london.newsquest.co.uk, or call 020 8722 6358.