By Jacqueline Elmore
It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite pub in Cuckfield, because for the most part, each establishment, unique in its own way, serves a different crowd, and depending on one’s mood, each, for a different reason. In the first three months of 2024, over 200 pubic houses across England and Wales closed their doors. The last time Cuckfield saw one of its pubs shut up shop was in 2014, when the Ship Inn in Whitemans Green was sold and converted into a Co-op. The same thing almost happened to The White Harte, when the brewery decided to sell to a property developer.
To say we’re lucky to have all four pubs, post-Covid, still standing, welcoming customers, serving pints and good food, some offering accommodation, is a testament to the village that many of us are fortunate to live in today. I am incredibly grateful that these places still exist.
The Wheatsheaf Inn (and hotel) does not pretend to be anything more than what it is and what it has always been; a place of comfort and familiarity. There are no frills, no shiny décor, or pretence; just locals chatting at the bar, dogs snoozing at your feet and gastro style food, at reasonable prices.
The pub was built as part of the 19th century expansion east of the village towards Haywards Heath following the arrival of the railway station. Its location meant that it drew trade from both Haywards Heath and Cuckfield and that is still very much the case today. The walk here through the Blunts Wood footpath has been a constant and an easy way for people to stroll in from town.
“We get a fair amount of custom from people in Haywards Heath and Bolnore Village as well as plenty of local residents visiting the pub, and mostly, we’re always busy. We have our regulars, outsiders who happen upon the pub, and then we have our hotel guests, so trade is very consistent, which is what we like,” explains Rob.
Business partners, Robert Helliwell and Nik Cobley have been running The Wheatsheaf together since 2009. “Nik’s in the rear with all the gear. What I mean is he’s our chef and he’s responsible for preparing most of our food and keeping our customers satiated. I’m front of house so it’s my job to observe, to supervise, to provide a personable service and maintain a comfortable environment for our customers. And yes, the sector has had a rough few years, particularly with the arrival of the pandemic, but Nik and I really just got on with it. We didn’t have any other option so we closed everything up and took food orders throughout the day. Nik cooked and I drove around dropping boxes of hot meals to people in the area.”
Not only does The Wheatsheaf serve thirsty and hungry customers, it also provides en-suite accommodation for couples, families and lone travellers looking for a place to lay their head for a night. “We were contacted by the council during Covid actually, asking if we could help house some vulnerable people. So, we ended up taking about eight or nine of them, and they stayed in the hotel, where we provided take away meals, organised the housekeeping, and tried our best to keep everything running efficiently and legislatively.“
Quiz nights, live bands, cooked breakfasts, Sunday roasts and fish and chip suppers are all part of the pubs’ nostalgic appeal. No more, no less; just an overwhelming sense of familiarity and cosiness.
The Wheatsheaf pub will host this year’s Cuckfield Mayoral Election Night. The special event is being held on Friday, 18th October from 7.30pm.
To read the full article about Cuckfield’s own Wheatsheaf, please pick up for September issue of Cuckfield Life today.