Celebrations as famous Hastings pub is secured for the future

The timeless pub, the oldest in St Leonards, is known affectionately as ‘The Doom and Gloom’. It is one of a sadly vanishing type where people can come together and enjoy conversation while enjoying a pint, with no background music or TV.

Alan, a local man with a love of Harvey's Sussex ale, has been drinking at the pub for 40 years and, like many other regulars was concerned when the pub was put up for sale following the passing of eccentric and well loved landlord David Sansbury.

David’s sister Bee, who attended the hand-over, said: “The pub was David’s life. He invested so much into it and I am so happy that it will continue in the way he would have wanted.”

Alan explained: “I am a bell ringer at a local church and we used to come to the Horse and Groom after practice. The pub is very special a friendly place where people can meet and make new friends. I even came here on the morning of my wedding.”

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