Law firm Birketts has advised on a new lease for a restaurant and shop on the site of the Norfolk-based English Whisky Co. The Kitchen at the English Whisky Co.’s St George Distillery in Roudham was forced to close due to the  pandemic earlier in 2020, but a lease has now been agreed that will see the OakVilla gin distillery take over the restaurant, with plans to open early in 2021.

Melissa Loucas, partner in Birketts’ commercial property yeam who acted for the English Whisky Co., said: “We are delighted to facilitate the agreement of this lease, helping businesses and, more crucially in this economic environment, jobs return to Norfolk’s renowned hospitality sector."
Separately, Birketts has acted for the shareholders in the sale of Birmingham-based Vehicle Replacement Group to a professional services and technology firm, Davies Group. The deal was secured by a team from across Birketts’ divisions led by senior partner James Austin and senior associate Rachel Astill (corporate).

FRP Advisory’s Norwich team was the lead corporate finance and tax advisor. VRG is a leading specialist provider of vehicle solutions to insurers, brokers and fleet providers in the UK. Meanwhile, Birketts has also acted for Jesus College Oxford and Jesus College Development (Oxford) on an agreement with three GP practices to build and let to them a new NHS primary care unit in part of the college’s new Northgate building in Oxford city centre.