The Bent Arms' lucky charm

The Bent Arms’ Howard Collins and Charlie Fairhead

Ireland has given the world many things – Guinness, Primark, the invention of colour photography, the world’s first armoured tank and even the cure for leprosy. While the country might not have a culinary reputation to rival the French or the Italians, it is certainly well-known for good food and, specifically, good bread, just like our next interviewee and manager of The Bent Arms, Howard Collins.

By Joe Wayte

After a string of failed attempts to make a profit out of The Bent Arms in the late 90s and early 2000s, Howard Collins stepped up to the plate in 2003 and has successfully managed the establishment ever since.

In the beginning the business had few customers but lots of potential. “I stood outside, looked through the window and saw the Rotary Club meeting,” Howard remembered. “I thought to myself – if nothing else, at least I’ve got 20-30 people coming to eat every week and decided to give it my best shot.”

[Full article printed in the October 2019 issue of Lindfield Life]

Snowdrop Inn, Lindfield to get young blood

George Stockton, new manager of The Snowdrop Inn, Lindfield

27 year old George Stockton is coming back home to breathe new life into a 19th century former beer house on Snowdrop Lane.

A musician at heart, George went to school at Oathall but discovered his passion for pints while working behind the bar of a Brighton hotel during his music degree. “I found that I actually really enjoyed it and very quickly realised how much I’d love to run my own place,” George commented.

He soon got into management and was running the Preston Park Tavern before setting his sights on his own business here in Lindfield.

The Snowdrop, in partnership with Hall & Woodhouse brewery, has now been completely refurbished with the addition of bay windows, wooden floors and opening up what was the ‘games room’ into an additional bright dining area. “We’re going for ‘modern country pub’ with the décor,” George explains. “All the furniture is new, plus the cellar has been overhauled as well as those all-important toilets!”

George hopes to bring his ‘young energy’ to the much loved Lindfield pub, saying the focus will very much be on quality, offering great beers, delicious food and fantastic service.

While there are still a few loose ends to sort, he expects to be opening the doors early July. Look out on Instagram for updates (@thesnowdrop_lindfield).

The Farmers Pub, Scaynes Hill, revived in 2017

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The Farmers Pub reopens in Scaynes Hill

Father and son team Michael and Jack Willis have recently opened the doors of The Farmers in Scaynes Hill. The pub has seen numerous attempts at running it over the last ten years, but this duo say they are here to stay.

“We fought hard to sign a 20 year lease with the owners,” Michael commented. “We will make a success of the pub, but we know that takes time. So we are committed to invest in the business over the long-term.”

The pair have already made a success of their first pub together, The Barley Mow in Selmeston, which is approaching its third anniversary.

“We first noticed this pub about a year ago as we drove past it,” explained Jack, “but it had a tenant at the time. Then, when it became available, we looked round it as soon as we could – the building, and its past, has a lot of similarities to The Barley Mow.”

The building has been completely refurbished in a ‘country pub’ style, complete with muted tones on the walls and plenty of taxidermy adorning the walls. Not to mention the large kids’ play area they have installed in the garden. “We want this to be a real family pub,” Jack says, “so we know the outside space will be a real draw for locals.”

They hand delivered letters to all homes in Scaynes Hill inviting them to a preview night of Prosecco and canapes – which was attended by over 400 people! “We were delighted with the response from our neighbours in the village,” Michael said. “We look forward to proving we can be the pub they’ve wanted for years.” 

The Farmers is open every day from midday and will serve a full traditional pub menu with plenty of seasonal specials.