Redwell beer dispute resolved after Hell of a battle

Redwell Brewery. Photo: Steve Adams

The Redwell Brewery, of Trowse, had been locked in a legal battle with London-based brewers Camden Town Brewers, over the use of the name 'Hells Lager'.

Originally issued in December 2014, the London brewery had accused Redwell of attempting to 'pass off' one of its beers - Redwell Hells - as the London brewers Hells Lager.

The case looked set to reach High Court, however it has since been resolved, after Norwich brewers were offered what co-owner Patrick Fisher described as 'a very good deal'.

Mr Fisher, who helped found the brewery in 2012, said: 'It is a huge relief to have it all over and done with.

Redwell Brewery. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

'It was a very good deal for us and we came out very happy.'

As a consequence of the arrangement, however, the brewery will no longer be serving Redwell Hells.

This, however, is not something Mr Fisher thinks will drastically affect the brewery, whose other beers include West Coast Pale Ale, Steam Lager and recently launched Norwich Pils.

He said: 'It wasn't really a blow to us to lose Hells - it never really started as a main stream product for us.

'We are quite fortunate in that we have just been able to expand the brewery and install exciting new technology - bringing even more jobs to Norwich.'

Mr Fisher went on to add that the agreement between the two breweries 'made sense' to both parties.

He added: 'It was a silly dispute that should never have got as far as it did, however I am pleased it has been resolved.

'Everyone moved on, shook hands and came away as good friends, so we can now focus on continuing to produce the great beer that we want to make.'

Camden Town Brewery was not available to give comment.

Do you have a beer story? Email details to david.hannant@archant.co.uk