Fuller's snaps up the Lewes Arms

Fuller's has bought a pub that became embroiled in a bitter battle with former owner Greene King.

The Lewes Arms, in East Sussex, came to national attention last year when Greene King removed popular local brew Harveys Best Bitter, causing a fierce backlash among regulars.

After a mass campaign by locals, Greene King eventually relented and agreed to restore Harveys to the pub.

However Fuller's, which has bought the pub for an undisclosed fee, has avoided a similar controversy by agreeing to continue selling Harveys at the Lewes Arms.

In return, Harveys pub the Royal Oak, in Borough, London, will stock a Fuller's ale.

The Lewes Arms will now be run as a leased site under Peter Dowd, who is already a Fuller's tenant and runs the Basketmaker's Arms in Brighton - another famous real ale pub.

Simon Emeny, Fuller's Inns managing director, said: "We have been looking for a site in Lewes for some time and we are thrilled to acquire such a prestigious pub. Our pubs in Brighton are performing well and a move into nearby Lewes was the logical next step.

"Fuller's always looks to offer the best pub in any area and we are looking forward to working with the local community to ensure the Lewes Arms is a pub they can all be proud of."