Well-loved pub to be auctioned

The popular pub - a Grade II listed property - has been closed for months after it ran into financial difficulties.

It is being auctioned through Clive Emson Auctioneers with a leasehold guide of £240-260,000.

Auctioneer James Emson said: “The building dates back to the 18th Century and is considered to suitable for continued use as a public house or possible change of use to residential, subject to all the necessary consents being obtainable.

“Whoever buys this will be toasting the fact that they’ve got a lot of bricks for their money. The historic Royal Oak may yet get a new lease of life.”

The main house comprises a public bar and restaurant on the ground floor and the first floor provides a four-bedroom flat, while there is two-bedroom living accommodation and three garages within the Coach House annexe.

James said the property is subject to the remainder of a 999-year lease from 1971, when the average house price in Britain was £5,632, a gallon of petrol cost 33p and regulars at the Royal Oak would have paid 80-90p for a pint of bitter.

Petts pubs have seen mixed fortunes over the years with the closure of a brewery and building of a new housing estate in the grounds of the Two Sawyers.

The Two Sayers was closed for a period but is now open for business and doing well.

The Royal Oak, which has a large inglenook fireplace, was once a popular venue for local folk music sessions.

Clive Emson’s sixth regional auction of seven this year, with 42 lots, takes place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole from 11am on Friday, November 5.