Suffolk-based Calvors Brewery has purchased its second local pub, The Swan at Holbrook, after securing funding from NatWest.
The craft beer brewery opened its first successful pub, The Rampant Horse Inn based in Needham Market, in February 2012. The funding will allow the company to continue to expand both its brand and portfolio of pubs within the Suffolk region.
Five miles south of Ipswich, the Swan at Holbrook will reopen at the end of March in time for Easter weekend and will serve a range of craft lagers and ales from Calvors Brewery, alongside other local guest ales. Around four new jobs will be created, with recruitment already underway for front of house and kitchen staff.
Founded in 2008 by Alec Williamson on his family farm in Coddenham Green, Calvors Brewery was established to create real English lagers brewed using traditional methods and local ingredients. A small brewery was later added to enable experimentation and capacity to increase the range of ales. The current range has 4 lagers and 5 ales packed into kegs, bottles and casks onsite.
Alec Williamson, Director, said: “Thanks to the increasing popularity of craft beers, the quality of the lagers and ales we produce and the support of our staff, the Calvors brand has continued to grow. Acquiring our first pub in 2012 was a significant milestone for us and we hope to replicate the success we’ve had with The Rampant Horse at The Swan at Holbrook.”
“Village pubs are rapidly in decline, and protecting pubs like The Swan from permanent closure is something that we are passionate about. Thanks to the support from NatWest we are able to help transform such pubs, take them back to their former glory and create a lasting positive impact on the local communities they serve.”
Frank Moss, Agricultural Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “NatWest has worked with Calvors Brewery since last year and seen the brand go from strength to strength. We are pleased that the funding will support the continued expansion of a very successful local business.”