Press Release - Eight Bells, Hawkhurst

Fleurets secure new Hawkhurst site for Lakedown Pub Company

Fleurets is delighted to announce the leasehold sale of the Eight Bells in Hawkhurst, Kent.

The leasehold of the substantial 19th century Grade II listed gastropub was purchased by James Rogers and his wife Annie who went on to transform the Eight Bells into a country pub with a strong reputation serving high quality food and drink.

Following the success of the past few years, the Rogers made the decision to sell the leasehold to focus on their young family.

The pub has now completed to Lakedown Pub Company, who have retained Fleurets to assist in their expansion.

"This is the start of what we hope will be a small estate of pubs across East Sussex and Kent. The key thing for us is that there is no 'cookie cutter' approach to pubs, each will be developed to serve its community and have its own personality," said James Cuthbertson, Partner, Lakedown Pub Group.

"We've established the Pubco to complement the brewery, but recognise the different skills involved in running a Pubco versus a brewing co. hence adding to the team to deliver this pub and future sites," he added.

Simon Bland, Senior Associate of Fleurets said, "Living locally, I am particularly pleased to have helped James and Annie with the sale and wish them and their young family the very best of luck with whatever they do next. They've done a great job with this lovely old pub since taking it on during Covid. I'm also really happy to have assisted another valued client, Lakedown Pub Company, acquire their first pub. Exciting times ahead!"