Batemans extends Norwich and Lincoln estates

February 22, 2007: Despite reports on the demise of the British pub, independent family brewer and retailer Batemans is bucking the trend.

The brewery has recently purchased three pubs — two in Norwich , the Champion, in Chapelfield Road, and the Leopard, in Bull Close Road, as well as one in Lincoln, the Victoria, in Union Street.

This now gives Batemans three pubs in Norwich, as the brewery purchased the Kings Arms, in Hall Road, in 2004, and five pubs in Norfolk, with the Crown, in Trunch, near North Walsham, and the Lord Nelson, in Gorleston, also joining the estate in 2004. The addition of the Victoria in Lincoln builds the brewery’s estate to three in its home city.

The Champion is a cosy traditional character pub, located in the centre of Norwich, and is known for offering its customers a wide range of cask ales and good honest food which will remain unchanged — apart from the addition of Batemans beers.

The Leopard is a community pub and new Batemans licensees Rachel Glanville and Tom Holbrook aim to offer customers an innovative choice, including Batemans beer and a range of niche lagers to mark them out from the competition. The couple are relishing the challenge of making the pub an important part of the local community.

Jaclyn Bateman, brewery marketing director, said: "Our beers have always had a great following in Norfolk and we are delighted to have been able to purchase two more in Norwich.

“The acquisition of the Victoria in Lincoln is quite a coup. It is a well-known pub with an excellent cask ale and Lincolnshire food fayre reputation, with the added benefit of a large attractive outside drinking and eating area.

"We have received some concern from consumers that now a brewery has purchased the Victoria we will change it and limit the cask beers. Regulars can rest assured that this will not happen — we are renowned for extending cask ale selections of not only our own beers, but having a wide range of guest beers from brewers throughout the UK.”

l Batemans is currently recruiting for licensees — for further information contact Penny Bembridge on 01754 882010.