23rd SUSSEX CAMRA BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL - Arun & Adur ...

Save Your PubSaving the BlackHorse, AmberleyHistory and HeritageThe LindfieldBreweryNot another pub closure? Sadly, yes.As many, no doubt, will be alreadyaware, the Black Horse, Amberley,closed in March following its sale byAdmiral Taverns. Within weeks the newowner had submitted a planning applicationfor change of use - an all too familiar story- hoping to convert the 200-year-old pubinto two houses. Sitting at the heart of thepicturesque village described as the ‘pearlof Sussex’, the Black Horse was a popularwatering hole for walkers, cyclists andmountain bikers using the South DownsWay, and for the many tourists who visitAmberley, which is now part of the newlyformedSouth Downs National Park,For many years the pub was the home ofthe Amberley Folk Club, which attractedmusicians and singers from far and wide.Its closure has come as a bitter disappointmentto residents and visitors alike. Havingthe only licensed function room in the villageit also providedthe venue for weddingreceptions,wakes, parties, meetingsand other gatherings.The BlackHorse was also hometo a rare collection ofsheep bells, donatedto the pub by the last shepherd on the SouthDowns above Amberley. Their future isalso a matter for concern.After an energetic campaign, the applica-tion for change of use was turned down byHorsham District Council, with almost 200objections having been registered. The newowner can appeal against the decision but itis hoped he might be persuaded to lease thepub to someone who is prepared to step inand rebuild the business to the flourishingestablishment it once was. There can belittle doubt about the potential. Do youknow of anyone who is looking for such achallenge? If so, please get in touch on thecontact details below.Mike Toynbeemiketoynbee@btconnect.com01798 831114As a paean to the Stand Up Inn,Lindfield, which ceased trading asa Dark Star pub on Sunday 29April 2012, we trace back its first associationwith a brewery. Customers of the pubmay recall the name Fanny Sara Durrant (b.1845, d. 1922) etched on the old signboardnext to her photograph above the barcounter.It was her husband, Edward Durrant (b.1821, d. 1902) who by the 1880s had builtthe Stand Up as a beerhouse. Edward wasthe proprietor of the Lindfield Brewery,located just to the rear of the passagewaythat connected the Stand Up to his otherbusiness, a drapery, grocery and glasswareshop.The name of the pub arose from its lack ofchairs and tables, for Edward wanted hisworkforce to return promptly to their dutiesand not sit lingering over their drinks. “Let‘em stand up and drink up!” he was reputedto have said.There were, it seems, two breweries inLindfield for a period during the 19th century.The other extended from the BentArms to Malling Priory, an early-Georgianhouse on the east side of the High Street.The Brewery, as it was simply referred toin some records, was from c.1784 to 1885in the sometime ownership of the Wichelosand the Bent families, whereas Durrant’sLindfield Brewery on the west side of thestreet may have been established by 1814by a Richard Buckley Stone.What is certain is that the Lindfield Brewerywas acquired in July 1820 by commonbrewers Thomas Wileman and WilliamDurrant. William, father of Edward, wasprominent in the village church and islisted as sole brewer from 1828 to 1839.Edward had taken over by 1845.Upon the death of Edward, Fanny SaraSussex Drinker: Winter 2012 3738 Sussex Drinker: Winter 2012History and Heritagewas eventually sold with its four-pub estateon 29 September 1909 to Ballard & Co. ofLewes.The only Durrant’s Ale that anyone mayrecall today is the one brewed by Dark Starto commemorate the centenary of the July1906 closing of the Lindfield brewery. InEdward’s time there was a Harvest Beer attwo pennies per quart, disparagingly knownas ‘Apron Washings’.A London Porter and Double Porter werealso reported to have been brewed, whilelocally advertised at one shilling per gallonwas a Family Bitter Ale. The remainingbrewery buildings have recently been convertedto residential use while the opensided horse gin has been restored and reerectedin the garden of the Red Lion pubin the village.The QuafferDurrant had owned and run the Stand Upfor four years with son Bartley acting as thebrewer until he emigrated. The breweryLocal ales, guest ales (four in total).Good selection of single malt whiskyand locally sourced produce for ourextensive menuFood midday-9pm every dayFree WIFI spot. Surf the web whilehaving a drink.45 High Street, Arundel, BN18 9AGTel 01903 882214www.redlionarundel.comSussex Drinker: Winter 2012 3940 Sussex Drinker: Winter 2012