Historic Burgess Hill pub is demolished

According to information provided by the Burgess Hill Local History Society, the pub was originally known as the “Red Lion” and dated back to about 1780.

It was a stopping place on the London to Brighton road for mail and stage coaches and close to the annual “Sheep Fair” - a famous event held at least as early as 1342 until 1912.

The façade was rebuilt in the 1930s.

The owner of the King’s Head, Sarumdale, announced in March 2012 that the pub was to close.

The pub, which had eye-catching and very impressive floral displays outside, was a popular venue for live music for about 20 years.

Owner Mike Lloyd, of the Sarumdale firm, said changes in people’s drinking habits, VAT, smoking bans, 24-hour drinking, high business rates and increases in everyday running costs such as energy had all played their part in the closure decision.