People try to put us down...blast for Daltrey beer plan at trout farm
ROGER Daltrey has landed in trouble with neighbours for planning to sell beer at his trout farm.
But the veteran rocker has dismissed some locals’ fears over public safety and nuisance from drinkers as a “storm in a teacup”.
The 77-year-old frontman of The Who yesterday offered visitors to his fishery a postlockdown pint if his plans are approved.
Sanctuary
He said: “All’s well in Sussex, a storm in a teacup. It’s just a licence to sell our locally produced beer from our micro-brewery.
“The rumour mill got out of hand because it was impossible to go door to door due to lockdown to explain what we were doing.
“I for one want the place close to where I live to be a sanctuary, where people can enjoy the beauty of the East Sussex Weald in peace.
“If they fancy a Lakedown
Beer I’d like to be allowed to sell them one. It’ll create some extra jobs in the area too.”
The Who Are You singer plans “a vineyard-style tasting room”, selling ale made by his Lakedown Brewing Company, at the Lakedown Trout Fishery near Burwash Common.
Some locals have sent objections to Rother District Council, which on Tuesday will consider the application to sell alcohol at the fishery.
One source said: “There is disquiet and concern around public safety and nuisance. Locals are also worried about the potential for live music until 11pm as a result of the venue gaining a licence, although council officers have pointed out that the venue is already entitled to hold live music performances.”
But a spokesman for multimillionaire Daltrey said: “We have not applied for a standup drinking licence, e.g. a pub.
“This is a low-volume, highquality offering that will include table service...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 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 is far away from residential properties.”
Daltrey formed The Who in 1964 with guitarist Pete Townshend plus bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon.