Determined licencees save Lincoln local

March 30, 2007: A Bateman’s pub in the centre of Lincoln, due to be developed into flats, is now thriving, thanks to the hard efforts of new licencees Alex Rutherford-Dark and his partner Eve Quinn.

Eve said: “With around two British pubs closing a day we were determined to stay put.

"The Dog and Bone is a quintessential village pub in the centre of Lincoln with no pool table, a friendly atmosphere and a great range of Bateman’s beers. Since taking on the pub we have been determined to make it the hub of the community and have introduced activities such as a book exchange, poetry and cribbage nights as well as our own darts team.

"Our customers have been with us all the way and we are delighted that the hard work has paid off.”

Rob Jones, director of Bateman’s pub division, said: “We are in the business of running pubs, not closing them, and Alex and Eve’s passion for the pub, the local community and for serving quality real ale is a credit to them and the licensed trade.”

Batemans and Alex and Eve are now jointly funding an investment programme for the Dog and Bone. The kitchen area is being developed so that traditional pub fare will be available from the summer. In addition, the beer garden’s pergola is to be rebuilt and general improvements to the garden are scheduled, offering customers an attractive outside drinking area in time for the forthcoming smoking ban.

The Dog and Bone was officially relaunched last week, Lincoln Campaign for Real Ale chair Phil Kempton performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony.