Reviving The Great British Pub: The North Star
SAMARA JAYNE MARTIN
Are the days of ‘The Great British Pub’ behind us? Since we were plunged into the depths of a nationwide lockdown, the social landscape seems to have shifted. Declining over the years, ‘wet-led’ public houses may seem relics of the past; however, a short jaunt around St Leonards will present you with an array of drinking establishments. I caught up with one landlord whose life’s passion is to maintain the humble local pub. Grant Hayes, locally regarded as the ‘Pub Guru’ has recently taken on The North Star, a public house dating from the late 1860s.
The Pub
The name of the premises beguiles many customers. In fact, The North Star has its roots in Greek mythology as the brightest star, and until the 1990s the pub sign sported a simple red barrel and the name of the building. After a refurbishment in 1996, the sign reappeared with The North Star steam locomotive built by George Stephenson in the 1830s, as an emblem representing the early career of the first landlord, Joseph Wisden.
Wisden was granted a licence in 1870 after a lengthy career as a railway man on the South Coast Railway. The pub was his passion project, although he was disliked by the community and his tenure was filled with controversy and legal battles.
In the early years, The North Star Inn was listed as a lodging house, which led to court proceedings when Joseph refused beds to two soldiers under the ‘soldier’s allowance’ which afforded military personnel the opportunity to lodge at inns for a reduced rate. He was represented by Hewett’s Brewery of St Leonards who claimed that works were being carried out at the premises; however, Wisden was still fined the sum of 40s (£2.00).
Wisden employed a barmaid by the name of Mary Jane Bell who was gainfully employed at a rate of £18 a year. Mary only remained in the pub for several months, after becoming the object of Wisden’s desires. Mary allegedly declined his proposal of marriage, and in response he attempted to sue her when she chose to resign. Mary attended court and when the jury ruled in her favour, she was awarded two guineas – and The North Star lost a good barmaid along with several local customers who supported her.
The pub has always been at the centre of the community. In the late 1800s the pub was home for the Bohemia Bonfire Boys, who led an annual procession through the streets in wild costumes to mark 5th November.*
More recently, pool, darts and golf teams have kept the pub roaring with life. It was clear to me that this pub holds a special place in the hearts of local customers when I met Dee, who has frequented The North Star for 65 years and even held her wedding reception there. Dee provided the pub with a photograph of the street party held there for the wedding of Charles and Diana – it hangs in pride of place on the wall and underlines the pub’s commitment to the neighbourhood.
The Landlord
What drew you to the North Star?
I’ve used the North Star frequently over the last 10 years, so I know what a great pub it is. I always thought that I would love to run it should the opportunity arise!
Did you always want to be a landlord?
Pubs have played an important role in my life: my parents would take us as kids, we would play in the garden with all the other kids. As I grew up it’s where I made a lot of friends and was the social contact point before mobile phones came along! I always thought I’d be good at running a pub, because I grew up immersed within the community. My early career started on the River Thames and the only opportunity to meet other crews was ashore in a pub at the end of the day!
What do most people misunderstand about you?
To succeed as a landlord you need to have patience and a good sense of humour – I believe a lot of people misinterpret the smiling face and pleasant demeanour for someone they can take advantage of. They don’t realise I’ve been working with the public since I left school and have always had a keen sense of understanding people. They’re always a bit surprised that I’m one step ahead of whatever they are thinking about!
What’s a common myth about being a landlord?
Often people are attracted to owning a pub for the lifestyle. Under the pretence that landlords spend all day drinking with the customers, have four holidays a year, drive fancy cars and live a life of luxury. The truth is that it’s a way of life rather than a job! You are never ‘off duty’! From being available in the early hours for deliveries and contractors to do work prior to opening, all the way through to closing down at night, doing the end of business reports on the computer. A working day can start at 6am and end at 1am most weekdays!
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone who’s looking to become a pub landlord?
Prepare to make this profession your life, both in work and social spheres! You need to be involved in all aspects of the pub, take part in the teams that play in your pub, the charity drives that are organised there, respect the community that uses the pub – some of them have used the pub their whole life. You’re not just running a business, you’re looking after people’s memories! Always treat people with respect and look after them when they are unable to themselves.
The Recipe
A man of simple pleasures, Grant’s favourite Craft Union cocktail is a Sex on the Beach.
Method:
Fill a glass with crushed ice.
Pour over 25ml of Vodka and 25ml of Peach schnapps.
Add in 40ml of orange juice then carefully top with 30ml cranberry juice.
Garnish with a slice of orange and don’t forget the umbrella!
For a full history see hastingspubhistory.com
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