Local protest wins return for Harveys
Greene King has confirmed that Harveys Best Bitter will return to the Lewes Arms in Sussex this week.
The beer was removed from sale in December last year by the Suffolk brewer and pub operator, sparking a four-month boycott by Lewes residents.
New local pubs managing director Jonathan Lawson decided the beer was to
return following an internal review. "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," said Lawson.
"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."
Friends of the Lewes
Arms spokesman Robert Shepherd said: "It all ended amicably and we will be returning to enjoy Harveys once more."
Local MP Norman Baker praised the Friends of the Lewes Arms group. "The local campaign to bring back Harveys to the former brewery tap has been a wonderful example of how much can be achieved when a small group of people campaign on an issue they feel strongly about.
"Now, however, it is important that we put the past in the past, let bygones be bygones and go back to fully supporting the Lewes Arms in the way that local people always have done."
