Historic Sussex Hotels buys the Black Horse

Historic Sussex Hotels has bought the Black Horse in Climping off a guide price of £500,000 from the Ei Group.

The pub is the fourth property in the family-owned group's portfolio, joining the nearby Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa in Cuckfield and the Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa in Midhurst.

Located a short distance from Bailiffscourt, the Black Horse is a Grade-II listed property dating back to the 17th century. The business will undergo extensive refurbishment, overseen by local architectural firm James Wells, with the intention to reopen it with rooms in the spring of 2020.

Martin Hadden, group executive head chef of Historic Sussex Hotels since 2003, will create a new menu with support from Bailiffscourt head chef Russell Williams and his team.

Pontus Carminger, joint managing director, said: "We have had our eye on this pub for a number of years and the opportunity presented itself before Christmas. Being easy walking distance from Bailiffscourt, it makes perfect sense to offer our guests another style of eating in different surroundings. And we, of course, also look forward to giving residents a new place to eat and drink."

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