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From Bike to Business: How One Man Turned a Lockdown Hustle Into a Startup Success Story What started as a simple idea during lockdown has turned into a
What started as a simple idea during lockdown has turned into a thriving business — and now, Saul Press, the man behind Norwich’s most unconventional bar, has been named an official Start-Up Loans Ambassador.
Saul’s journey is anything but typical. From selling beer on a bike to running an off-license in a telephone box, his story is a powerful reminder that big dreams don’t need big beginnings.
It all began during the Covid-19 lockdown, when local breweries were left with excess draught beer they couldn’t sell. Seeing an opportunity, Saul began cycling across Norwich, delivering this unsold beer directly to customers — a creative solution that helped both him and the struggling breweries.
That mobile side hustle soon evolved into something more.
With support from Start-Up Loans, Saul was able to purchase six draught taps, bar equipment, and refrigeration units — the foundation for Beer Hatch, a tiny yet iconic bar set up inside an old telephone box.
Yes, you read that right — a fully functional bar in a red phone booth.
Thanks to his entrepreneurial spirit and community-driven approach, Saul was chosen as one of the new ambassadors for Start-Up Loans, a UK government-backed programme that supports early-stage entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship.
Saul credits the scheme not just for the financial support, but for the advice and encouragement that helped turn his idea into a sustainable business.
“I’m up there with a lot of awesome entrepreneurs and businesses I really respect,” Saul said. “I didn’t have any idea of setting up a business — it was just an idea in my head.”
During lockdown, Saul didn’t just think outside the box — he thought on two wheels. His delivery model helped breweries stay afloat while bringing beer directly to people stuck at home.
With no business background, no storefront, and no big funding, Saul relied on creativity and community support to get started.
A bar in a phone box? It doesn’t get more quirky — or more local — than that. Beer Hatch has become a Norwich landmark and a conversation starter for anyone passing by.
As an ambassador, Saul will now represent and inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs across the UK. He’ll share his journey, mentor aspiring founders, and show that success doesn’t require a corporate background — just a great idea, hard work, and a bit of belief.
His appointment also highlights the importance of grassroots entrepreneurship in rebuilding local economies, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Saul’s story proves that you don’t need a massive budget or a formal business plan to get started. All it takes is an idea, a little bravery, and the right support system.
From cycling beer around Norwich to mentoring future entrepreneurs, Saul Press has shown that hustle, heart, and a willingness to start small can lead to something truly impactful.
And if you ever find yourself in Norwich, don’t forget to stop by the phone box bar — where one man’s lockdown hustle is now pouring pints and pouring inspiration in equal measure.
