A popular stand-up comedian set up a pub directly opposite a brewery giant after taking aim at its late owner.
In an episode of his Channel 4 show, Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back, that aired in 2021, the comedian Joe Lycett decided to open his own pub in Tadcaster.
The pub could be found directly across from the Old Brewery, which is the HQ of Sam Smith’s Brewery.
It was announced on Tuesday, June 30, that the owner and chairman of the brewery, Humphrey Smith, had died at the age of 81.
Why did Joe Lycett open a pub?
The show’s synopsis reads: “Comedian Joe Lycett and celebrity guests campaign on behalf of viewers who've been wronged by big corporations, caught out by small print, and hoodwinked by fraudsters.”
During the episode, Joe opened the Humphrey Smith pub as part of a campaign to highlight the brewery’s strange and often controversial rules and practices.
He targeted Humphrey Smith, who was behind the Sam Smith’s Brewery’s strict rules, including banning phones, music, and swearing from his pubs.
Joe had heard from former pub managers who had allegedly been removed from their pubs and homes by Sam Smith’s.
In the programme, Joe said: “I Joe Lycett have come to Tadcaster to tell people of the misdeeds of Humphrey Smith!
“And to spread a liberating joyful message to all of his pubs. That it’s OK to swear. That using your phone for two minutes isn’t the end of the world.
“That landlords should be supported and treated fairly. And that pubs can and should be fun.”
The brewery called the police on Joe because of his stunt but no action was taken.
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He also set up the Lettuce Inn on the Tadcaster riverbank and encouraged music and dancing, where Antony Costa, former member of the boy band Blue, performed a song that dug out Humphrey Smith.
The brewery is known for not talking to the media, but it released an official statement to Joe that was read out during the episode.
What do you think about Sam Smith’s Brewery? Let us know in the comments below.
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