Newhaven: The Bridge Inn pub restoration started by Harvey's

Harvey's Brewery is starting more works to repair The Bridge Inn at the bottom of Newhaven's High Street after a decade closed.

A 14-week project is now under way to transform the Grade II listed site into a landmark venue in the town - and the brewery is looking for a landlord to take the helm.

A historic photo of the pub in the Illustrated London News

"We are thrilled to embark on this journey to revitalise The Bridge Inn and bring a renewed sense of community and hospitality to Newhaven," said Stevie Riggs, estate coordinator at Harvey's Brewery. 

"We believe that the right candidate will not only have the skills and experience to manage the day-to-day operations but also share our vision for creating a welcoming and inclusive space for locals and visitors alike."

The pub is steeped in history, built in the 18th century as a Georgian home. The Bridge Inn even hosted King Louis Philippe of France and Queen Marie Amelie on their first night after fleeing the French revolution. 

The king landed in disguise at Newhaven on March 3, 1848 and took refuge inside the pub. 

Read more: When a French king sought refuge in a Newhaven boozer

The Bridge Inn was purchased by Harvey's in 2013 and needed "urgent structural repairs" before reopening.

Plans were approved in August last year to convert the top floor of the inn to a flat and keep the ground floor as a pub. An outdoor seating area on the north west of the building will also be constructed.

In 2020, when plans were submitted, ward councillor James MacCleary, said: “Harvey’s have been making fantastic progress with The Bridge Inn.

“The building had been transformed in recent months and there’s a lot of excitement locally about a new Harvey’s pub in the town.

“A lot of people like to talk Newhaven down but there is a lot going on and reasons to be positive, not least a new historic pub in the town.”