Artichoke landlord steps away from pub after rape allegation

The team at The Artichoke on Magdalen Road made the announcement on social media on Saturday (May 13).

It came a day after owner Kevin Tweedy, 65, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court charged with the offences, said to have taken place eight and 10 years ago.

The Artichoke pub in Magdalen Road (Image: Newsquest)

In the statement, a spokesman said: "We, at The Artichoke, are shocked and deeply saddened to see the accusations made against the owner of the pub.

"We are of course taking this very seriously as we navigate our next steps as a business. A decision has been made as a collective that Kevin Tweedy will step away from The Artichoke business, rescinding his title as the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

"The position of DPS will be taken up by current general manager Harley Wright.

"Whilst the accusations are yet to go to court and thus have not been proved or disproved, it is in the interests of our staff's livelihoods and wellbeing that we have made this difficult decision.

"As such, Kevin has agreed he will no longer have any ties to the running of the business, nor benefit from the profits.

"All financial gain The Artichoke makes will henceforth be solely put back into the business and used to continue to improve our pub and community, and to support our team."

Kevin Tweedy faces two charges over offences said to have taken place eight and 10 years ago. (Image: Archant)

Norwich Magistrates Court heard Tweedy 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 declined jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the charges and committed the case to be heard at Norwich Crown Court.

READ MORE: Pub landlord in court accused of rape and sex assault

The pub's statement continued: "Despite these difficult circumstances we find ourselves in, The Artichoke has always been a product of the hard-working and brilliant staff we have - that has not changed.

"It is through our team and the community of our valued customers, that we have been able to cultivate a place so important to so many.

"Our core values; those of inclusivity, safety, and justice, will always remain at the crux of all we do.  We thank you for reading this and standing by as we struggle through these troubling times for The Artichoke."

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.

The Artichoke has become a popular craft beer venue since Tweedy took it over in 2018 when it underwent an extensive refurbishment.