BATEMAN'S BREWERY

The founder of Batemans Brewery was George Bateman.  In 1874 George and his wife Suzanna decided to sell their  farm in the village of Friskney and take a small brewery in Wainfleet.  The rent was £505 10s.  They purchased the brewery equipment from Edwin Crowe, then about a year later, bought out the lease for £800.

George Bateman

The couple knew nothing much about brewing or running a business, but Suzanna would brew beer in the kitchen at Friskney, while baking bread to sustain them after a hard day on the land.

Fortunately, the former owner named Edwin Crowe passed on all he knew before he retired.  His brewer was not ready for retirement and despite being blind, stayed with the couple for several more years.  Although we do not know his name, in common with many brewers, he had an acute sense of smell and taste.  He would check the temperature by sticking his elbow into the fermenting vessel.

The original brewery was based just by the railway, however in 1880 George decided to buy a Georgian house that had come on the market just 200 yards away, called Salem House.  The couple moved in and built a brewery in the coach houses.  They not only brewed beer but also bottled whiskey, rum and gin.  Suzanna also baked bread, which was sold as an accompaniment to the beer.

A 'Fair Day' was held twice a year, when the farmers would come to Salem House to pay for the beer their workers had consumed the previous six months. In those days it was common for this payment to not be paid in cash, but with meat and potatoes.  Once the tab had been settled the Bateman's would invite the farmers into the kitchen for a massive feast, and this tradition continued until 1930.  Suzzana was renowned for her cuisine.