The Cricketers Southwick – which earned TripAdvisors’ Travellers' Choice award in 2024 – had been closed since March 16, ‘for a short time’ whilst staff made ‘some exciting changes’.
After a VIP opening night on Friday (April 4), the pub – on The Green – officially opened to the public on Saturday.
A social media post read: “The wait is over! The doors to the new-look Cricketers are officially OPEN.
"We can’t wait to welcome you all back to see our amazing transformation.
"We hope you love the new pub as much as we do.”
Exterior works at the Greene King pub were carried out first, with a new garden area being a key addition.
An interior transformation was then carried out.
A Greene King spokesperson said: “An exciting six-figure renovation was designed to revitalise the existing site and give it a brand-new look and feel.
"The inside of the pub has received a complete makeover to create a modern, welcoming atmosphere with a new entrance, refreshed décor and an open plan layout divided into zones for various occasions, including a cocktail area, a restaurant/dining area, and a sports bar.
“Customers will find comfort and convenience at the pub with the new layout, including bookable booths, providing a cosy and private space to enjoy time with friends and family.
"The stunning gardens have undergone a huge transformation too and now offer a variety of comfortable seating from booths, high seats to normal tables, along with mood lighting and heating. The outdoor areas now offer even more space for relaxation or to dine and drink with friends.
"The pub offers Sky and TNT Sports, showing all major matches throughout the year on the many TVs in the new sports bar area, so sports fans need never miss a second of the action. The venue is also registered on the Greene King Sport App for countless deals.”
Alongside seasonal events, The Cricketers will host a regular programme of activities, including bingo every Tuesday, Thursday coffee mornings and quiz nights, and live entertainment every other Friday.
The spokesperson added: “The Cricketers reopens with a delicious menu, with many deals including irresistible small plates, perfect for sharing, priced at three for £14, or five for £21.50. Plus, there is a dedicated kids’ menu, a Lunch Club menu, and a fabulous weekly Steak Thursday ensuring there's plenty of variety for everyone to enjoy. A Sunday menu is also available serving traditional roasts for all the family.
“The investment has provided multiple job opportunities to the local community and the pub team has grown, offering new jobs for locals.”
Kieran Meehan, general manager of the Cricketers, said staff have been ‘working very hard behind the scenes’.
He added: “We’ve made it all open-planned and much more spacious.
“We’ve added some vibrant colours, with beautiful wallpaper and really lovely lighting.
“The reaction has been wonderful from all the customers. We’ve worked really hard to give them the pub that Southwick deserves.
"We're in a beautiful area, filled with beautiful people, and I wanted to give the pub back to them.
“We've had wonderful feedback – everyone's really enjoyed themselves, enjoyed our entertainment, and there's a lot more to come.”
Mr Meehan said the pub is ‘here for the community’.
“We're involved with lots of different things, like charities, such as Macmillan and The Royal British Legion.
"It's really important that we're the community pub for everybody. Everybody is involved, right from kids all the way up to the elderly, we're there for them.
"It’s totally inclusive – our pub is for everybody.
"Our brilliant team at The Cricketers is excited to showcase our new and improved pub to the local community. We’re looking forward to welcoming both new and old customers.
“The renovation has given the pub a new lease of life, and we’re confident that customers will love our improved facilities, whether they’re looking for a drink with friends, a meal with the family, are booking a party, or enjoying a sporting event, there really is something for everyone.”
The Cricketers is located on The Green, Southwick, BN24 4GF. For more information visit: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/west-sussex/cricketers
1. Pub reopens after refurbishment
Ribbon cutting ceremony at The Cricketers Southwick Photo: Henry Bryant
2. Pub reopens after refurbishment
Here's a look inside the newly-refurbished Cricketers Photo: The Cricketers Southwick
3. Cricketers Southwick (3).jpg
Kieran Meehan, general manager of the Cricketers, said the reaction to the refurbishment has been 'wonderful from all the customers'. Photo: Henry Bryant Photo: Henry Bryant
4. Pub reopens after refurbishment
Here's a look inside the newly-refurbished Cricketers Photo: The Cricketers Southwick