New Monkey House landlords reveal micro-brewery ambitions

HUSBAND and wife team Will and Lizzie Bradshaw have taken the helm at the Monkey House pub in Lymington with plans to open an-site micro-brewery.

Will, who originates from Burley and attended Walhampton School, previously ran his own brewery in Bristol.

Lizzie said: “We have been living and working in Bristol for the last four years but it has always been Will’s dream to come back to the New Forest where he grew up. We are so excited to have this opportunity to take over the Monkey House”.

The couple plan to continue running the pub, which dates from the 19th century and is one of the last free houses in the town, as it is. Most of the existing team will remain in their jobs including head chef Mark Sloper and managers Karen Carter and Sam Pineau.

The plan is to undertake a full refurbishment when the micro-brewery is launched next year.

Will said: “I know how important the pub is to the local community and I feel privileged to take over the reins.”

His aim is to continue to serve delicious fresh food with great service whilst building on the strong reputation previous licensees Iain and Ruth Robertson have created over the past four years.

Will continued: “We will be taking our drinks very seriously indeed, serving locally brewed real ales, rotating keg and cask craft beers and a meticulously selected wine and spirit list. I am passionate about our Dorset and Hampshire produce and we will use local suppliers as much as possible.”

The Monkey House is open Monday to Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday 11am-10.30pm. For more information go to www.themonkeyhouse.co.uk.