Matt calls time at Royal Sovereign

A STALWART pub landlord has called last orders on his time in Bexhill.Bexhill born and raised Matt Dargan ends his 11-year stint as landlord of the Royal Sovereign in Sea Road this week.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Dec 2009, 10:08 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:13 BST

He hands over the reigns to Darren Streeton and his wife Francine. The couple have helped run the pub for the past four years, so are more than ready for the challenge.

Francine said: "All the customers know us and they are happy that we haven't gone.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We are happy that we have taken it on. We've worked hard for the pub and are glad to have it."

Of his departure, Matt said: "It's nothing to do with decline in trade, we haven't really seen one.

"I fancied a change and am going to spend some time abroad and do some travelling in Cuba and the Carribean - sit on a beach and read a book.

He listed as highlights the thousands raised by the pub and its patrons for charity, speaking of a "real community" in the Sovereign he would never forget.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After joining in 1998, he took the pub from earning 800 in his first week to taking 10,000 last Christmas week.

He said: "I'm a bit emotional about it, but I've no regrets. I've met some fantastic people and I would like to say a big thank you to them all and wish Darren all the best for the future.

"The pub is a great place."

Related topics:Cuba