New pub landlords enjoy rip-roaring beer festival

Dave and Louise Lewis recently took over the historic Rippingale pub, The Bull, famous as being an inspiration for The Archers radio show.

They already host the village post office on the premises and have opened a tearoom for villagers named after the show, but last week held a beer festival, which they are already hoping to repeat.

Mr Lewis said: “It was great. The cold weather got to us in the end, but the rain held off. Everybody had a good day, with great feedback from around the village.”

Staff served up five cask ales and six lagers, plus three ciders, to revellers, with music all day supplied by Mark Bishop, Pennyless from Bourne and Velvet Gorilla from Derby.

Turnout was especially good during the day with families enjoying a bouncy castle and games. Mr Lewis said the barbecue sold out.

“We are planning the next one for the summer. We can now push forward with our plans and have just had a new chef start work,” he said.