A TOAST TO TRADITION AT NEW LOOK AMPTHILL PUB
An innovative partnership between two independent breweries has helped restore historic Ampthill pub the Albion to its former glory. 

The pub on Dunstable Street closed last October and has since undergone a major refurbishment overseen by new owner Everards and B&T Brewery based in Shefford, Bedfordshire.   

Now open again for business, the Albion is a shrine for cask ale lovers with no less than 12 handpulls at the bar serving a selection of B&T’s own brews, Everards’ Tiger Best Bitter and a range of unusual guest ales on regular rotation. 

There are also three cask conditioned ciders and imported draught lagers from Holland, Germany and the Czech Republic. 

Martin Ayres, co-owner of B&T Brewery, said: “We have tried to capture the atmosphere of a traditional Victorian ale house that befits the pub’s age and introduce a range of quality products that customers won’t find at other local venues. 

“The feedback from people since we reopened has been tremendous.  There is a real appetite for locally sourced, craft products such as cask ale, while our efforts to create a relaxed, welcoming and professionally run business right in the heart of the town have been very well received.” 

B&T was founded in 1982 under the name Banks and Taylor’s.  It produces more than 30 different ales, each with their own distinct character and flavour, including Shefford Bitter (3.8% ABV), Black Dragon Mild (4.3%) and Shefford Old Strong (5.0%). 

The Albion is B&T’s fifth pub and joins the Brewery Tap in Shefford, Wellington Arms in Bedford, Globe in Dunstable and Elm Tree in Cambridge.

Martin said: “The Albion is a partnership between ourselves and Everards, who own it and lease it back to us as part of their unique Project William scheme. 

“This ensures our own beers can be sold without restrictions and maximises the choice available to customers, while also ensuring much needed up-front investment for the business to allow for its refurbishment.” 

The Albion was officially launched by Everards’ chairman Richard Everard, who visited the premises and met with newly appointed manager Russell Fletcher. 

It is the 16^th Project William pub to be launched by the Leicestershire based brewery since the scheme began three years ago.

To see a few pictures of The Albion prior to

opening click HERE

Click HERE for map.

(l-r): Mike Desquesnes, B&T Brewery,

Richard Everard, chairman of Everards Brewery

and Martin Ayres, B&T Brewery.

Martin Ayres (left) and Mike Desquesnes (right),

co-owners of B&T Brewery, with Albion manager

Russell Fletcher (centre)