The Stag Inn Named Best Pub in Sussex
PAUL McLAUGHLIN
The Stag Inn, at the top of All Saints Street in the heart of Hastings Old Town, has been named a county winner in this year’s National Pub and Bar Awards.
The 16th century inn is run by Nicole Holt and husband Nick. They took over the licence five years ago after looking for a new challenge. Nicole, a TV producer and Nick, a writer, wanted to free themselves from the daily commute to London. Initially, they looked to take on a café in the town but when the Stag became available, they knew they had found just what they were looking for.
With its beamed ceilings, log fire and rustic floorboards, the pub has a cosy feel and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Since taking over, the pair have tried to bring in new ideas, whilst at the same time being respectful of the town’s tradition and the special place the old building has in the hearts of Hastings’ people. They have worked hard hosting popular quiz nights each Monday, traditional folk evenings on Tuesdays, with live comedy, Americana bluegrass, and Rattlebag sing-a-round taking turns on other evenings.
Nicole and Nick have also sought to maintain the Stag as a key venue for the many vibrant local events which make Hastings such a special place. They and their team – all of whom are paid above the minimum wage – can be seen throughout the year dressed up for Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Night, Jack-in-the-Green, Old Town Carnival, the Hastings Bonfire and the January Wassail.
Good Food Guide
The Stag’s Head Chef, Ben Cumberpatch, and Sous Chef, Robbie Rands, have become key members of the team. Ben is a classically trained chef, who learnt his trade at the Fox and Hounds in Watlington, Oxfordshire, and he uses locally sourced ingredients compiled with extraordinary attention to detail for his range of delicious dishes, which earned the pub a place in the Good Food Guide last year and the award of an AA Rosette.
The Stag retained their AA Rosette this year, with the news coming in the same week they were notified that they had been named a county winner in the National Pub and Bar Awards. They will join 93 other county winners in a Grand Final in June, with both Regional and National awards up for grabs.
The highly prestigious awards highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry. For Nicole and Nick and their tight-knit team, it is recognition of all their hard work.
Nick jokes that he and Nicole bicker a bit like Basil and Sybil Fawlty, but he is quick to add with a smile – “without their incompetence.” Unlike the dreadful Fawlty Towers a visit to the Stag Inn is to be greatly anticipated. Locals and tourists alike will be hoping that this hidden gem in the Old Town will come top when the awards are announced in June.
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