Amazing turnaround as pub doubles trade in a year

The Red Lion pub, Chelwood Gate SUS-160607-153838001

Landlords at a Sussex pub who have doubled trade in the past year have won a top brewery award.

Angelena and Greg Churcher won the accolade for their work at the Red Lion pub in Chelwood Gate.

The Red Lion was named ‘Turnaround Pub of the Year’ in the annual Shepherd Neame Pub Awards.

Angelena and Greg first joined the brewery three years ago when they became licensees of The Plough in Upper Dicker. Following success there, they decided to expand their business, and took on the Red Lion last March.

Landlords of the Red Lion, Chelwood Gate, Greg and Angelena Churcher with brewery boss Jonathan Neame SUS-160607-153851001

Since then, says the brewery, they have made “significant investment in the pub, completely transforming its interior and exterior décor, improving the kitchen and landscaping the garden.” Their hard work has paid off, as the pub now holds a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, and boasts dozens of glowing reviews on the site, praising its excellent food and friendly service. The pair have grown trade more than 100 per cent and quadrupled wine volume during the past year.

Angelena said: “We have had a great first year at the Red Lion. Our approach to pubs is simple: offer great service, good food and a warm welcome; and it definitely works. We have a great relationship with Shepherd Neame, who have been a huge support with our work at the Red Lion and The Plough, and it is wonderful to be recognised by the brewery with this award.”