Hassocks news

Meet The Greyhound's new owners in Keymer

By Deirdre Huston

Simon Hodges has taken over The Greyhound. He and his wife, Josie, live about five minutes away from the pub, on the other side of Keymer Church. Their three children have attended local schools. Simon and Josie have long been regular visitors at The Greyhound and felt they could make a difference to the pub. Simon says: “We wanted to turn the Greyhound into a village pub again and give it back to the community.”

This new venture is very much a team effort. Simon is the Licensee, Zoe Scozzi is the manager, and Josie provides backroom support alongside Debbie Smith. Debbie is also a local parent and already works with the Hodges in another business.

Josie says: “We want to return the pub to how it used to be: a lovely, vibrant village pub.” The strength of local support has already taken the couple by surprise. Simon explains: “Our vision has been realised quickly because a couple of residents, Kenny and Gill Packham, organised a welcome do for us, and the pub was rammed with locals who wanted to wish us well.”

The pub is over 450 years old. Simon says: “We want this to be a pub with traditional food where you can come for a drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.” Food will continue being served from Wednesday to Sunday, with a proper roast at the weekend, and a view to including more days in the future. Meat is sourced through Twine Butchers in Hassocks, and, as well as the beer, a lot of the wines come from the Harveys Brewery. Simon says: “We will add to our ale and lager selection with guest beers.” Look out for the dried hops on the inglenook fireplace, which are a gift from a Harveys employee.

From 1st January, the pub will hold Open Mic nights every Thursday, a pizza van will visit every Tuesday while Wednesday will be Quiz Night.

The pub is open every day from 10.30am except on Sundays when the doors open at 11am. Josie says: “We would like the pub to be a Wi-Fi hub where people can come and sit and work and be warm during the day.” Every Wednesday, there will be a drop-in surgery when Emma Warner, the IT Girl from Hurstpierpoint, will be based here.

The Greyhound are members of HCO (Hassocks Community Organisation) and offer 10% discount on Wednesday to Friday lunchtimes.

“Everyone’s been amazing,” says Josie, and Simon adds: “We want to thank everyone for their immediate support because they’ve been fast to rally around us.” Many are keen to see the pub continue in the coming years as a hub of the local community.

Huge success for South Downs Nurseries' Christmas grottos

A Sussex children’s charity is starting the new year with a huge boost thanks to the 10,000 people who visited their Christmas grottos. The Budding Foundation, based in Lancing, helps young people across the county, especially those in-need or affected by trauma or disability. It worked with South Downs Nurseries in Hassocks and Old Barn Garden Centre at Dial Post to raise a gross amount of over £68,000 from visits to see Santa.

“It was an amazing achievement,” says Sarah Mead from Tates garden centres. “We welcomed 4,500 children, some from as far away as New Zealand, Spain, the USA and Italy.” The charity made free visits available to 800 families, including those settling from Ukraine, young children in supported accommodation and SEN pupils.

The Budding Foundation’s founder, Clive Gravett, is delighted with the help from Tates of Sussex in supporting the grottos and helping to raise a substantial sum for the charity. “These funds will enable us to continue supporting young people in Sussex, especially those living in deprivation,” he said. “In the last 12 months our grants have helped improve the lives of over 500 young people across the county, and support many families suffering poverty. “Our Santa experience raises the bulk of our annual funds, with the help of our fantastic volunteers, aged 18 to 80, who in the five-weeks leading up to Christmas make it happen.” Already plans are taking shape for this year’s events and Clive is interested in hearing from anyone interested in joining the team in 2023.