Hucknall brewery Lincoln Green announces exciting project to create two pubs on site of The White Lion in Beeston

Lincoln Green Brewing Company is to expand its pub portfolio by becoming the licensee of The White Lion in Beeston.

The brewery which is based on Wigwam Lane in Hucknall, is again partnering with Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars for its latest venture.

It will see Beeston get two new pubs, thanks to a £625,000 redevelopment of the venue which is situated on Middle Street, and has been closed for nearly three years.

The project will divide the building to create two new pubs: The White Lion – a top quality traditional cask ale house – and Blackshale Bar & Kitchen, a contemporary bar specialising in craft ales and modern English cuisine. Great beer will take centre stage at both pubs, which will be the only ones in Beeston to stock Lincoln Green products. With a shortage of function space in Beeston, the revamped venue will have a first floor function room that can be hired for private events.

Work starts next Tuesday (11 April) with the new pubs scheduled to open in late July, creating 20 jobs.

The project is the brainchild of Anthony Hughes, founder of Lincoln Green Brewery, who came up with the idea of making two pubs out of one in a bid to revitalise The White Lion site.

The overhaul will transform the exterior of the tired building, enhancing the town centre. Each pub will have its own entrance, signage and distinctive look. In keeping with their names, the outside of The White Lion will be painted white, whilst Blackshale will be dark green. Blackshale will also benefit from a stunning 100-seater all-weather garden decked out with heating and covers plus festoon lighting, colourful furniture, and a striking mural.

The inside of The White Lion will have traditional décor and a high quality finish incorporating wood floors, leather-covered Chesterfield chairs and a fire. Brewing memorabilia and pictures of Beeston through the ages will adorn the walls. The bar will have eight hand pulls serving regularly changing and seasonal cask ales. Tasting notes, 'try before you buy' and real ale events will further add to the tap room experience. A selection of carefully chosen wines, vintage whiskies and gins will complement the beers. On the food front, the pub will offer charcuterie platters and pub tapas.

By contrast, Blackshale's interior will be modern and stylish, with exposed brickwork, vibrant colours and designer-look furniture and fittings. A haven for craft beer, its well-stocked bar will have 14 draft taps offering a rotating range of eclectic craft beers, many locally brewed in small batches. A new kitchen and spacious dining area will enable freshly prepared food to be a major focus, too. The menu will cater for all occasions, from light lunches to celebratory dinners and will feature pub classics as well as à la carte specials. Ingredients will be locally sourced wherever possible, and there will be a wide choice of gluten-free and vegan options. In a novel twist, dishes will come with craft beer and wine pairing suggestions.

Anthony Hughes said: "It's been sad to see such a prominent pub closed for so long. We want to bring it back to life and make it an asset to Beeston. The town has a thriving pub scene. Our aim is to add to it and bring something different to Beeston."

Star Pubs & Bars' Investment Manager Mike Smith said: "We're delighted to be investing in the centre of Beeston and building on the investment the town has seen in recent years. Lincoln Green Brewing Company is well known in Nottingham for its superb pubs and excellent beer. It's fantastic that they're bringing both to Beeston. The regeneration of The White Lion has been disrupted by the pandemic, but Lincoln Green's exciting plans will be well worth the wait."

Anthony and Lynette Hughes established The Lincoln Green Brewing Company in May 2012. Lincoln Green takes its name from the colour of dyed woollen cloth associated with the legend of Robin Hood.

Lincoln Green's other pubs include: The Station Hotel in Hucknall; The Railway, Belper; The Mill & Brook, Long Eaton; The Sir John Borlase Warren, Canning Circus; The Robin Hood and Little John, Arnold; and The Brickyard, Carlton.

For further information about Lincoln Green Brewing Company, please click here.