A 200-year-old country pub which had been turned into a Chinese restaurant is being converted into a village pub, its new owners say.
The Castle Inn in Hickstead, which is believed to have opened in 1817, closed in October last year after 30 years.
It was bought this month, and its new owners have already started to refurbish it with the aim of reopening as a village pub, together with a farm shop, cafe and hotel rooms.
Posting on Instagram, the new management said: “It’s happening … we’d love you to follow us on Instagram @thehicksteadcastleinn as we gently and carefully bring this much loved institution back to life as a village pub, farm shop, cafe and hotel at the heart of our community.
“A (hopefully) small pause now while we go for planning and listed consent. #villagepub #communityhub #mustbemad.”
The sale of the pub, at the junction of the A23 and A2300, was arranged by Flude Property Consultants.
Director Will Thomas said: “We look forward to seeing the improvements that will breathe new life into this well-positioned public house.
“This sale highlights continued investment interest in hospitality venues with strong potential.”
It’s believed the pub was built in 1817 by Daniel Dench, the former landlord of the King’s Head in Cuckfield, where he hosted the Prince Regent and other members of the aristocracy when they travelled from London to the Brighton Pavilion.
But the road was diverted and the turnpike relocated from Cuckfield to Hickstead, killing most of his trade at the King’s Head.
He built the Castle Inn so he could follow his lucrative trade there.
