Harveys restored to The Lewes Arms

In previous articles on this site, I've written about the boycott of a small community pub in Sussex by its own devoted regulars. The Lewes Arms crowd were protesting against owner Greene King's decision to remove local beers from the bar, in favour of their brews from Suffolk. ..

On Friday, Greene King issued a press release confirming that Harveys Sussex Best Bitter will be on sale at The Lewes Arms in a matter of days. Greene King's "local pubs managing director" Jonathan Lawson was at the pub in person to reassure staff and customers that the order for the beer had been placed. After cellaring, it should be ready to drink towards the end of next week.
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From the Greene King press release:

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

Your reservations about Greene King's corporate strategy might remain - mine certainly do. Nonetheless, it's great news that The Lewes Arms' regulars have won their battle, and not just for them. The campaign drew attention to the plight of similar pubs across Britain. It was commented upon numerous times in the national press, often as a focus for articles expressing concern about the threat to our pub culture.
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To everyone at the pub, congratulations and enjoy the party.
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Information:

1. The Lewes Arms is at Mount Place, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YH (Tel: 01273 473152, map).
2. The Friends of The Lewes Arms have a website.
3. You can read my previous posts on the boycott here and here.