Couple loved their local pub so much they bought it

Now they are thrilled that it is in the running to be named best in the county.

Sarah and Jamie Davies were huge fans of The Cleveland in Cleveland Road, Brighton, and bought it 18 months ago.

It has been shortlisted for The Argus Pub of the Year competition along with ten others.

Sarah said: “We loved the pub so much and were just thrilled when the opportunity to buy it came up.

“Our pub is a real locals pub and family-orientated which makes it a well-deserved winner of the competition.

“It’s on the list because we are true to the heart of this competition.”

Sarah said the pub goes beyond simply being a place to drink.

Her and her husband often host The Blakers Park Tennis Club which regularly uses The Cleveland as a clubhouse.

She said: “We really enjoy opening our doors to groups in the community.

“Sometimes we cook up dishes to share around when the tennis club come in for a drink.”

Pub yoga is also available on Mondays and a nursery musician hosts a couple of singing sessions with up to 20 children on Thursdays.

Sarah said: “We love being a pub that hold community interests at heart.

“We support local business and use local produce where we can.”

On the menu customers can find meat from Brighton-based Barfield Butchers, Harvey’s Ales from Lewes and sparkling wine from Ridgeview, Ditchling.

Sarah said: “We have lovely relationships with neighbours and welcome all walks of life through our doors.

“We are definitely not one of those pubs that turn passers-by away for just wanting to use the toilet.”

Sarah and Jamie and four other members of staff took part in the Brighton and Hove triathlon to raise money for the Martlets hospice and managed to raise £2,000 from their customers

She said: “This event was a good example of the community spirit of the pub because the customers were really supportive and a few of the staff members were new to this kind of exercise but they still got stuck in.”

Sarah said since she started running the pub just over a year ago, her staff have remained the same.

She said: “I think the staff have decided to stay all this time because it’s such a lovely place to work and we all really get on.

“They look after the place so well.”

Voting closes on October 31 and the winner will be announced in November.