Petworth pub to reopen after local businesswoman steps in

The Star in the town centre will open for business once more next Tuesday after businesswoman Rosemarie Carter stepped in.

Rosemarie, who heads up a team that manages pubs in nearby Midhurst – the Elsted Inn and the Half Moon – said it was a real thrill to be able to welcome back regulars to The Star.

She said: “You could say the Star has risen again, and what could be more fitting than to be able to say that just as we gear up towards celebrating Christmas?

“We managed to recently step in at the Elsted Inn near Midhurst and the reception we have had from locals has been phenomenal.

“They are simply delighted that the community has a hub and this would appear to be the case here in Petworth given the comments that people have made about us re-opening after the previous couple who ran the pub decided to call it a day, sadly.”

It comes as a recent poll by the British Beer and Pub Association revealed seven out of 10 UK pubs and restaurants feared they would become financially unviable and forced to close next year as a result of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions.

Rosemarie said she was happy to have been able to contribute to saving The Star, as well as provide much-needed jobs for the area.

She added: “We are going to bring in a chef and bar staff and are delighted to be able to do so.

“Our restaurant will follow the model of our other pubs and we know this to be a winning formula.

“Please come and say ‘hi’ when we open on Tuesday it’ll be great to see everyone!”