Harvey's beer to return to Lewes Arms

April 20, 2007: Campaigners are celebrating after Greene King today announced it would be reinstating Harvey's beer at Lewes Arms, Lewes, Sussex. The brewery's chief executive admitted it had "underestimated the depth of feeling" about the decision to remove Harvey's beers from the premises and offer just its own brews.

Greene King local pubs managing director Jonathan Lawson and regional manager Andrea Greenwood were at the pub today talking to their team and to the regulars, and letting them know of the decision.

Mr Lawson said that the order for the beer had been placed and that following secondary fermentation in the cellar, it should be ready to drink towards the end of next week.

He said: "We are passionate supporters of cask beer, are proud of our own brews and have recognised the intensity of feeling around Harveys at the Lewes Arms."

He said that the history of the pub, including its role as a former brewery tap, combined with activities ranging from dwyle flunking to pea throwing, made this hostelry very special.

"Now that Harveys is going back into the pub, my team and I are hoping that we can make a fresh start with our customers and are looking forward to helping the Lewes Arms once again play a full role in the local community."

Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand added: "The Lewes Arms is a very special local pub with a unique place in the life of the town.

"We underestimated the depth of feeling and level of reaction about our initial decision and I believe that the conclusion the team put forward to return Harveys to the bar is the right one.

"I'm pleased that Jonathan and the team have taken on board our customers' feedback and hope people will be pleased with the news."

Local MP Norman Bker, who has backed the campain to get Harvey's beer back, was delighted by the outcome. He told the BBC the campaign was a great example of what a local community can achieve by working together.

He said: "I commend Greene King for recognising the special role of both Harveys and the Lewes Arms within the local community and for acting accordingly."

4 Comment on this story at our forum