The White Harte Inn sold

For many (many) months now, local residents have been waiting patiently to find out news of what the future holds for the White Harte pub in Cuckfield.

At the end of last month, Hall and Woodhouse brewery confirmed that the pub had been sold to an independent party, who intends to keep the establishment running as a public house, and for the Thai Restaurant to continue to operate as normal.

The historic pub, built in 1881, has been looked after by Jim Ayling and his partner, Jackie Young for almost 17 years now, but the time has finally come for them to move on from pulling pints and serving freshly cooked homemade meals.

Jackie said: “Jim and I would like to thank all our customers and friends for their support over the years. We will miss everyone very much. This has been a very difficult and challenging time for us all, so we’d like to send our best wishes to all of the other pubs in the village, and hope that they continue to flourish.”

Village Hall Week 2020

Join England’s largest celebration of village halls
National Open Day - Saturday 25th January

Village Hall Week is the inspiration of Action in Rural Sussex (AirS) and part of a national celebration of village halls and the services they offer our community.

Cuckfield Parish Council is joining in the celebrations by offering residents the opportunity to promote your local activities, organisations, clubs, charities etc for FREE by reserving a stall at The Queen’s Hall on Saturday 25th January, between 10am and 1pm.

Tea and coffee etc. will be on sale in the lobby area outside the Main Hall during the event, which will be open to the whole community.

The hall will be open from 9am to set up. Stalls are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

If you are interested in taking part in this event, please send your name, name of organisation and contact details to Jane Forester at Cuckfield Parish Council (01444 454276).

Rising culinary star from Cuckfield’s manor

Freddie Innes, Ockenden Manor - Masterchef

Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa’s Senior Sous-Chef Freddie Innes is cooking up a storm on this year’s season of MasterChef: The Professionals. The 25-year old Chef flew through the first round and won the judges over with his signature pan-fried sea bass with parsnip puree, fondant potato and a red wine jus.

Born and raised in Sussex, Freddie developed a love for cooking from his grandparents, who he spent a lot of time cooking with as a child. From baking with his grandmother to joining his grandfather, a gamekeeper, on local pheasant shoots in the Sussex countryside, Freddie grew up surrounded by people with a passion for food.

Following a year at catering college, Freddie decided to dive into the world of fine dining by joining the award-winning restaurant at Ockenden Manor in Sussex as a Commis Chef. Freddie commented: “At Ockenden Manor, no two days are the same – that’s why I enjoy it so much. You meet different guests, create new dishes and meet local suppliers, all while always working as a team.”

Last year, while on holiday in Spain, Freddie was encouraged to apply for MasterChef: The Professionals by his girlfriend and her mother. In spring he was selected as one of the 48 contestants from thousands of applicants.

Along with the full support of his home county, Head Chef at Ockenden Manor Stephen Crane is proud to champion the talents of this rising star: “We’re very proud of Freddie. The most natural step for me is to encourage the next generation of chefs. I enjoy building positive relationships and inspiring youth to realise their dreams and fulfil their potential.”