Haywards Heath pub owner uses coronavirus pandemic to work on exciting projects

A beer to raise funds for charity is among exciting projects to launch next year at a Haywards Heath pub.
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James Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards Heath, shares more on his business:

How did you decide on this career?

I used to be managing director of the Dark Star Brewery, so I always had a love of pubs. I went to Haywards Heath College as a teenager and always wanted a business in the town...just took me a few years to get there.

James Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards HeathJames Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards Heath
James Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards Heath

What has your business been doing recently?

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We’ve been doing really well despite the challenging conditions. We’ve put a lot of measures in place to make sure customers are safe. This second lockdown has presented a larger challenge though, particularly the fact that we’re not able to provide off sales like the supermarkets can. That said, we’ve flipped the business and are trading as the ‘Lockdown Tavern’ during November, offering takeaway food and drink (drink only if ordered in advance)

What have you been doing during the pandemic?

We used the initial lockdown to get some essential works done at the pub, including re-decorating. We also used the time to plan our business going forward with one idea to work with a brewer to brew a beer where for each pint we sold a percentage goes toward helping local charities...fortunately, our friends at Hairy Dog brewery from Wivelsfield Green liked the idea, so we’ll launch the idea in the new year.

James Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards HeathJames Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards Heath
James Cuthbertson, owner of The Lockhart Tavern in Haywards Heath

How has your business had to adapt?

We’ve launched a take away side to the business operating over Friday, Saturday and Sunday and I’m pleased to say it’s already been a great success.

What gives you most job satisfaction?

Seeing our regulars for whom the pub has become an important and enjoyable part of their lives. It’s also great to see people enjoying the constantly changing menu, all prepared fresh by our team of chefs.

Any exciting plans for the future?

We’re looking to add a few new sites in the New Year, but before we push on with any plans we really need to see some normality return to daily life.