The Bat & Ball_Wisborough Green

The Bat & Ball
Strengths & Weaknesses
The Bat & Ball is a striking building visually, so in essence we are
being handed a relatively blank (health and safety compliant)
canvas ready for putting our brand in, capable of seating up to 60
internally. It is of 16th Century construction with high ceilings and
an amazing barn, which has been converted into a restaurant.
Hall & Woodhouse have carried out a complete internal and
external refurbishment over the past 18 months - though there
would need to be a rebranding of the site as it has a ‘poor’
reputation within the community.
The bar servery is relatively small for what should be a busy pub
although that will be overcome with a little thought.
The pub has 60 dining covers inside and the kitchen is perfectly
adequate with a little tweaking and careful design.
We would aim to accommodate ‘private/business’ or ‘family/small
party’ functions in areas that naturally define themselves - such as
the ‘1666’ room and the section behind the bar.
It would be our intention to market these actively as comparatively
private throughout the day for meetings, tastings and other small
functions. The ‘unique nature’ of the guest space at The Bat & Ball
would mean level of contract cleaning, to ensure it was at all times
kept in the best possible condition.
Outside, The Bat & Ball benefits from gardens front & back with
space for 100+. The back garden could be reserved for casual dining
seating 60, while the front (nearer the main road) can be used to
continue the tradition of camping as the site has its own external
showers and toilets. The large car park accommodates 50 cars.
The Bat & Ball has an enviable position next to Fishers Farm, which
reportedly has 50,000 visitors a year a real opportunity therefore to
capitalise on the family eating market.
Maintaining such a large external area will be expensive but should
be more than adequately recompensed from May through to
September on those lovely weekends in Sussex when the sun shines
and the birds sing.
It also has potential for event catering - a marquee on the grass for
instance would create a perfect space for weddings and other large
parties while allowing The Bat & Ball to continue trading normally.
There is also a substantial case for the more permanent
construction of a professional BBQ area to take pressure off the
kitchen at peak times.
A place to eat, drink and relax