Batemans, the independent family-run Brewery based in Lincolnshire, continues to invest in its estate despite the tough economic climate. It has recently acquired at auction, The Cross Roads Inn pub, East Barkwith, Lincolnshire. The pub had been closed for a year and the local community had petitioned the Council to keep the Cross Roads Inn as a going concern not wanting to make it yet another failing pub statistic. Batemans Brewery has re-opened the pub after a major refurbishment and has put new licencees, Richard and Joanne Spencer at the helm.

It is the first pub that Richard and Joanne have taken on, although the couple have had plenty of bar-work experience. Richard Spencer says; “It is something we have always wanted to do we were just waiting for the right pub, right location and right Brewery to come along, and we were lucky that all three came together so we couldn’t say no. We found Batemans ‘Running a Pub Successfully Course’ really helpful and greatly appreciate that it is offered free to potential licencees.”

The pub offers Batemans quality cask ales such as XB and XXXB (Triple XB), rotating guest beers, as well as home cooked traditional pub food such as sausage and mash and home-made curries. The Spencers aim to make the pub central to the community and although it has only been open a few weeks, the couple have already organised a pub darts team and are planning their first pub quiz night.

Batemans Profit Partnership Director, Rob Jones says; “We are really pleased that Richard and Joanne have taken on the Cross Roads Inn as they have experience, great enthusiasm and there is a real opportunity for them to make the pub a hub of the community in East Barkwith. The goodwill, they have received from locals, albeit early days, has been fantastic”