A team from Higgs & Sons has supported an iconic Black Country brewer in securing the right premises for what will be its 11th pub in the Midlands.
Bathams has announced that building work is already underway at the two former office blocks in Hagley. The Higgs team also supported Bathams in acquiring the licence for its new premises which is scheduled to open in September.
The award winning brewer has a proven track record of a commitment to real ale which it serves up from its Midlands’ pubs each of which is steeped in character and history.
Higgs & Sons put together a team from their Corporate, Commercial and Commercial Property teams, headed up by Richard Saxton, Commercial Property Partner, Richard Griffiths, Corporate Partner and Commercial Solicitor Katie Doyle, whose credentials include over 10 years’ experience in the licensing industry.
Richard Saxton said: “We acted for Bathams in acquiring the property as a speculative pub development, and naturally I am delighted to see the project now come to fruition.
“It is an excellent result in securing this prime site, and positive news in the current climate of pub closures. Everyone involved worked incredibly hard to ensure this outcome and what will be the delivery of another thriving business and focal point for the community.”
Katie added: “Bathams is a long-standing client of ours and we are pleased to have supported them with their new venture. The application for the new premises licence was submitted earlier this year and was granted following a licensing committee hearing following a number of representations.”
Higgs & Sons and Bathams share a similar heritage, with both being family firms, both head-quartered in Brierley Hill, and while the legal firm celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2015, Bathams is celebrating its 140th anniversary later this year.
Matthew Batham, Director added: “Higgs & Sons has proved to be a long-standing champion of not only our business but our heritage, understanding the importance of our traditional background to our identity. The team effort shown by Richard, Katie and Richard has confirmed the continuation of what we hope will be an ongoing and expanding partnership.”
Bathams is synonymous with real ale, and consistently wins plaudits for its bitter from the likes of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) and craft beer writers.