Pub owner Greene King said it was reconsidering' its decision to remove the ale from the pub.

The company has also said it underestimated how Lewes people would react and admitted the pub has lost 'some of its greatness and character'.

An internal review is underway at Greene King and next week the findings will be put before its new Local Pubs managing director

The hugely unpopular decision, which was made in December, could be finally reversed and would mean an end to the town's boycott of the pub which has resulted in an estimated 90 per cent drop in trade.

The statement reads: "We are reconsidering our decision.This is a pub we are very proud to have in our estate, but we did not fully appreciate its special position in Lewes as the former "Brewery Tap", or take into account its history and traditions.

'We underestimated the strength of feeling which led to many locals boycotting what was once a Great British Pub. As a result, it has lost some of its character and greatness.'