New landlord of pub near Chichester has 'big plans' for the future

Angelsey Arms reopens under new ownership. Chris Collier, and his son Lewis. Pic Steve Robards SR2007274

The new landlord of a pub near Chichester has told how he 'fell in love' with the venue and has hinted at some 'big plans' for the future.

Chris Collier, 48, took over the Anglesey Arms in Halnaker in March and opened the doors to the public on July 4.

Chris had been running the pub on 'holding terms' while a landlord was sought but having fallen in love with 200-year-old Georgian tavern, Chris decided to take The Anglesey Arms for himself.

"I came here to look after the pub while it was up for sale. I stayed through lockdown and I fell in love with the place."

Chris has been continuing his work full-time as a district manager for Ecolab but said he is looking forward to getting back into the trade having spent a decade working in the industry in London.

"I have done pubs for about ten years in the 90s so it is not my first pub but it is the first one in 20 years. I have always planned to do my bit in sales and get a career behind me first. I left the trade in 2000 as I wanted to have a career in sales.

"It was always my aim to retire back to a pub by the time I was 50. It's a nice community pub tied to Punch Taverns but the pub is worth it. It is beautiful — I fell in love with it as soon as I got there.

"There is still a a bit of work to do but I have my vision."

With the pub being shut for a long period Chris said it has given him time to take on some DIY with the pub being redecorated and works done in the garden, "I have some quite big plans for the pub," he added.