Rock legend’s East Sussex trout farm seeks alcohol licence

A bid to begin serving alcohol at a rock legend’s trout farm is set to go before Rother councillors next week.
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On Tuesday (March 30), a Rother District Council licensing panel is set to consider an application for the sale of alcohol at Lakedown Trout Fishery, an angling business outside of Burwash Common set up by Roger Daltrey, lead singer of The Who.

In its application, the business says it wants to create a venue similar to “a vineyard style tasting room”, which would only serve craft beer made by the singer’s Lakedown Brewing Company.

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A spokesman for the business said: “We have not applied for a stand up drinking licence e.g. a pub. This is a low volume, high quality offering that will include table service. 

The Who frontman Roger Daltrey (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)The Who frontman Roger Daltrey (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)
The Who frontman Roger Daltrey (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)

“We wish to build on our already existing fishery business by offering our fishermen and members of the local community a chance to taste and discuss our local craft beers all brewed in our brewery in Uckfield.”

The spokesman added: “The nature of the sport of fishing is that it is quiet and therefore we will be keeping all noise to an absolute minimum. 

“The lodge location is far away from any residential properties down a private track onto Lakedown farm. We will manage the dispersal of customers so as to not impact local residents.” 

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The application seeks permission for both on- and off-sales, with the business saying it plans to offer internet sales at some point in the future. It would not sell any spirits on site.

Lakedown Trout FisheryLakedown Trout Fishery
Lakedown Trout Fishery

While the fishery stresses its plans to keep noise to a minimum, several local residents have lodged objections, due to concerns around public safety and nuisance. 

Several of the objectors also raised fears over the ‘potential for live music until 11pm’ as a result of the venue gaining a licence. However, council officers have pointed out that the venue is already entitled to hold live music performances without a licence. 

Concerns were also initially raised by Sussex Police, but these were withdrawn after the applicant agreed to a set of additional conditions (including the installation of CCTV cameras in the premises).

A decision on the application is set to be made following the panel hearing on Tuesday, March 30.

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