Preheat the oven to 180°c / Gas 4.
In a large casserole dish, heat the oil and add the beef and onions and fry until the beef is browned all over.
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt and mixed herbs.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onions, mix thoroughly and then slowly add the brown ale, stirring all the time.
Then add the stock, tomato puree, bay leaves, sugar, carrots and parsnips. Stir together and season with a large pinch of pepper.
Place in the oven and cook for 2 hours.
Serve immediately with mashed potato and greens.