Business partners James and Charlie have known each other for twenty years. James has lived in Hassocks with his family for about seven years, and just over a year ago, Charlie moved to Hassocks as well. Charlie has two very young children and moved from the city to Hassocks in search of fresh air and a better lifestyle. “Life has pushed me in the direction of The Thatched Inn,” he reflects.
Charlie recalls: “On the day we moved in, James turned up on our doorstep and welcomed us to the village.” The following day, James sent through the details of The Thatched Inn. This pub has long been a part of our village community, and is known for its picturesque roof of Norfolk reeds, oak beam roof, and spectacular views over the Sussex countryside. The pair soon worked out that they were both interested, and, about a week later, their business collaboration started in earnest. There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes, and James says: “For about a year, we have been working with the outgoing landlords, David and Lisa, to ensure a smooth transition.”
Before moving to Hassocks, Charlie worked as the Operations Manager for a hospitality group in London. He says: “We had a wide variety of premises from a ‘spit ’n sawdust’ site in Brixton to a Grade I listed-building in the vaults of the Royal Exchange at Bank.
James is an event and project director. He explains: “The largest event my team deliver is the New Year’s Eve fireworks, but, for example, if a football tournament comes to town, we do the wraparound to help make it successful.”
Family life is busy too! He is involved with Hassocks Football Club as a youth coach for his eldest son’s team, attends his middle child’s team and encourages his youngest daughter’s interest in football too.
James and Charlie are both very excited about their new venture at The Thatched Inn and love having an excuse to spend even more time in the village. During April, the building has undergone thoughtful renovations to provide light welcoming spaces which make the most of architectural features and countryside views. The side room will be available as a versatile function room. The main room of the pub curves around a friendly bar area where people can relax in front of the huge fireplace and enjoy countryside views across the fields towards Ditchling Beacon.
There will be a new cellar system with three real ales on offer: Brakspear, Harveys and a rotating ale. There will also be a low/non-alcoholic beer on tap. The wine list is expanding, with more wines available by the glass. Charlie sums it up: “We want to offer lots of options for guests from different sections of the community.” Charlie and James have retained much of the original team. “We’re over the moon that we’ve been able to do this,” says James, “and we will recruit more staff as the business develops.”
Paul is coming in as the new head chef. Until recently, he worked at the South Lodge Hotel. “He’s enjoyed his time there,” says Charlie, “and he has elevated his skills, but he loves the atmosphere of a pub.” Food is available in all the three main areas of the pub. After refurbishment, the restaurant area will have convivial seating areas and be slightly more separate from the pub. “Paul will be putting his unique stamp on all of the usual pub classics,” says James, who has enjoyed sampling taster menus. There will be well-known dishes, fun specials and interesting starters, plus a good children’s menu. Food will be on offer all day, with a shorter menu between services: ideal for passing walkers and cyclists. The menu will have accessible price points, similar to items previously available at the pub. They love having well-behaved dogs at the pub, but will ask that they don’t go into the restaurant space.
The new garden design enables guests to enjoy the view across the fields, perhaps dropping in after a dog walk to sit at the high counter on the decking. There will be a relaxed area with a fire pit where people can socialise with friends or family groups. Further back, in a cobbled area, there will be open air cooking. They’ve spent a lot of time designing a wonderful new playground which will be available at the side in a secluded rear area; making sure that families of all age groups can come and enjoy the pub.
The pair have received lots of encouragement. “Existing local business has been very helpful,” says James, “giving us positive words of support.” Charlie elaborates: “Hospitality is a tightknit community where people want to support each other.” Hassocks and Keymer are becoming something of a destination for walkers, shoppers and cyclists. Charlie says: “Every venue has something slightly different to offer and we want to add something to the village community.”
The Thatched Inn is opening at a time when Hassocks is expanding. James says: “We’re thinking about what’s right for the community. There’s change going on and we want to lean into that change and make it positive.” The Thatched Inn is open from Saturday 3rd May, in time for the Bank Holiday weekend and the coming summer.
