The Mid Sussex pubs reopening this weekend – and what you can expect

By Jennifer Logan
Published 1st Jul 2020, 10:50 BST
Updated 1st Jul 2020, 10:54 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Pubs in Mid Sussex will be welcoming back customers this weekend for the first time in more than three months.

But popping down the local for a pint will be a new and different experience for all of us.

Table service, reduced hours, menus and less capacity are among a raft of new safety measures introduced by pubs in the district as they adjust to the ‘new normal’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Matt Palmer, owner of The Sportsman Pub in Goddards Green, said he was holding out for better weather as the pub gets ready to reopen its doors at 11.30am on Saturday.

Landlord Matt Palmer of The Sportsman pub in Goddards Green and some of his staff ahead of reopening. Picture: Steve RobardsLandlord Matt Palmer of The Sportsman pub in Goddards Green and some of his staff ahead of reopening. Picture: Steve Robards
Landlord Matt Palmer of The Sportsman pub in Goddards Green and some of his staff ahead of reopening. Picture: Steve Robards

“We are blessed where we are as we have a garden, if the weather is on our side this will be an advantage,” he said.

“But if the weather is bad, we will have a quarter less capacity in the pub.”

He confirmed the pub in Cuckfield Road will be now be open five days a week, rather than seven, with the reduced hours of 11.30-9pm, a reduced menu offering and reduced capacity.