A Norwich pub owner and former award-winning brewery boss has appeared in court accused of rape and sexual assault. 

Kevin Tweedy, 65, who owns The Artichoke in Magdalen Road, faces two charges over offences said to have taken place eight and 10 years ago.

Eastern Daily Press: Kevin Tweedy founded the ward-winning Golden Triangle BreweryKevin Tweedy founded the ward-winning Golden Triangle Brewery (Image: Submitted)

Norwich Magistrates Court heard he is accused of the rape of a woman, alleged to have taken place on July 20, 2015. 

Tweedy, whose address was given as being the NR3 pub, is also alleged to have sexually touched a woman who did not consent between January 1 and March 31 in 2013.

At a hearing on Friday, magistrates denied jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the charges and committed the case to be heard at Norwich Crown Court.

Eastern Daily Press: Kevin Tweedy took over as owner of NR3 pub The Artichoke in 2018Kevin Tweedy took over as owner of NR3 pub The Artichoke in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

The Artichoke has become a popular craft beer pub after he took over in 2018 when it underwent an extensive refurbishment.

Tweedy previously founded the Golden Triangle Brewery, based in Norwich, which has won both local and national awards from the Campaign for Real Ale as well as a gold at the Great British Beer Festival.