JD Wetherspoon’s investment in Burgess Hill concerns existing businesses

Manager of Wetherspoon's The Six Golden Martlets, Garrie Richardson (centre) with his colleagues Joe Bosher and Bethany Holden on the pub's official opening day Tuesday 29th April. Pic Steve Robards SUS-140429-131922001

The pub operator has invested £1.4 million and created 55 jobs in Burgess Hill, but their reputation for cheap prices is a cause for concern for some local businesses as they fear the chain will draw away customers.

Jack Harding, owner of The Top House in Burgess Hill, said: “Wetherspoons employees are coming to our businesses and saying their beer is a pound cheaper, so come to us.

“It’s absolutely disgraceful,” he added.

However, Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Managers, not all the staff, from The Six Gold Marlets, took part in the usual Wetherspoon pre-opening training.

“They were outside on the High Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the run up to pre-opening training, personally inviting local businesses and then local residents to sample food and drink at the pub, prior to its opening, and give their feedback.”

The new pub will be open from 8am-11pm Sunday to Thursday and 8am until midnight on Friday and Saturday and food will be served throughout the day, until 11pm every day.

“The managers were outside on the High Street and didn’t go into premises and there were no flyers, promotions or leaflets,” Mr Gershon said.

Mr Harding is also worried about other businesses in Burgess Hill.

“There’s a small cafe down the road and ladies having a coffee outside have people telling them to come to Wetherspoons as well,” he said.

“It’s not the business way to do it, there’s a cake and everyone’s entitled to a slice.”

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