Will Browne and his father Gary have taken on the lease of The Royal Oak in Newick, near Uckfield .
Mr Browne said: “I’m very proud to say I’ve officially taken on The Royal Oak as the new landlord.
“My aim is simple: to keep this a proper country pub – welcoming, friendly, and at the heart of the village – with good beer, eventually great food, and a place where everyone feels relaxed and at home.
“On behalf of myself and my father, cheers to the next chapter.
“We’re very excited!”
The pair marked the start of their tenure with a relaunch event on Friday, December 19.
The pub was previously run by Tom Stovold of Revived Inns, who penned a farewell message to customers.
He said: “Once again, a heartfelt thank you for your support, loyalty and custom.
“Thank you for choosing the Royal Oak and for making it what it is. We are all so lucky to have such a great village community.
“It’s no surprise to you that all pubs are suffering because of big tax bills, big employment costs and buildings that need so much work and repairs. The wider economy is very worrying too.
“I did however vow never to close the Royal Oak, and swore I would be in place until a new tenant was found.”
Mr Stovold spoke warmly of Mr Browne and his hopes for the future of the pub.
He said: “How lucky did we get when young Will walked in to our lives!
“I want to wish Will all the luck in the world; I will certainly be a customer. I look forward to watching his business grow.”
Mr Browne expressed his thanks to Mr Stovold and the Revived Inns team for their support.
He said: “I’d also like to thank the previous owners for everything they’ve done, and for handing over such a well-loved village pub.
“It was an absolute pleasure working alongside you, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities you gave me down here.”
My old man (who looks younger than me!) – he’s a lifelong Spurs fan which explains the smug grin. #Newick pic.twitter.com/z4Bz5RDGsA
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 14, 2022
Newick is also known as the childhood home of broadcaster Piers Morgan, who is also from the village and is known to visit.
Born in Surrey, his family moved to Newick just a few months later. He went to school at the Cumnor House prep school in Haywards Heath and then later Chailey School and Priory School in Lewes.
He still owns a house in Newick and frequently visits The Royal Oak when he returns to the village.
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