New landlady Rosemarie Carter hopes to embrace the community with a warm welcome when she opens the doors on an exciting new chapter in the life of one of West Sussex’s favourite hostelries.
For many years Chichester folk would take a short drive out into the South Downs to enjoy a visit to the idyllically-placed Elsted Inn, Elsted Marsh. And then the coronavirus pandemic struck and the pub closed its doors for business, with many fearing it would never open again. Lots of pubs — and the hospitality industry in general — have suffered through the strict measures put in place to try to stem the spread of the virus.
But good news came over the horizon in the shape of well-known local figure Rosemarie. She has taken over the pub and after a much-needed makeover the popular venue will once again be welcoming drinkers and diners on Saturday (December 12).
The family-friendly and dog-friendly pub has been closed for a good few months but Rosemarie says there was no way she was going to let the inn stand empty. And she will see her hard work come to fruition in time for what she hopes will be a busy run-in to Christmas.
And Rosemarie, who also owns the Half Moon Inn in nearby Midhurst, has moved swiftly to recruit top chef Stewart Warren to ensure diners are well looked after when they choose to have a bite to eat on their visit.
“I thought it was a crying shame that the pub closed recently and made strenuous efforts to be able to bring it back to life and to try to be, once again, at the heart of the community”,
she said.
“Stewart is a wonderful chef and I was really keen to attract him to the pub and am delighted has been able to join us. He has put together a very appealing menu that really does cater for everyone. Christmas is closing in and we are delighted to be open ahead of the festivities and can assure those who come to enjoy themselves that we offer a very warm welcome and want to create a positive experience with a nice vibe.
“I know full well that community spirit is vital in these trying times and so I am especially pleased to be able to contribute to this. Yes, of course, we hope to attract visitors from out of the area who are enjoying the beautiful South Downs National Park nearby as well.”
The Elsted Inn will continue to offer accommodation to visitors, too. Rosemarie added:
“We’ve had great fun transforming the bedrooms with bright and vibrant yet tasteful decor to offer a comfortable experience for those wishing to stay with us.”
