16th-century Sussex pub on the market as owners retire after 19 years

Nestled in the South Downs, the Cock Inn in Old Uckfield Road, Ringmer, will change hands after the family that owns the pub said they want to sell the leasehold as they are retiring.

The village pub is ranked among the best pubs in the Lewes area and has been under owners Ian and Val Ridley since 2005.

But now the couple are passing their two other pubs on to their children and are looking for the right buyer to step in and keep running the community-favourite watering hole.

The couple said: "With our upcoming retirement and the end of the current lease approaching, we have made the decision to sell the business.

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“This will allow our sons, Nick and Matt, to focus on our two other pubs – The Highlands in Uckfield and the Heathfield Tavern.

The outside of The Cock Inn (Image: Fleurets)

“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in our 19-year tenure, and we are looking for a new owner who will build on our success and take the pub forward into the future.”

Listed at £125,000 by estate agents Fleurets, the two-storey building dates back to the 16th century and includes a pub and restaurant area as well as a beer garden.

The bar area of the pub (Image: Fleurets)

The pub is said to “exude history and character and offers a welcoming bar, cosy snug and spacious dining areas”.

The pub is ranked as the best restaurant in Ringmer according to TripAdvisor with reviewers the food, staff and atmosphere in the pub.

The pub's beer garden (Image: Fleurets)

Nick Earee, of Fleurets, said: "The Cock Inn at Ringmer presents a unique opportunity for the right buyer to step into a well-established business with nearly two decades of success.

“Pubs of this calibre rarely come onto the market, especially those with such a rich history, a loyal customer base.

“With its ideal location in the heart of East Sussex and proximity to the South Downs, the potential for growth, both in terms of business and community engagement, makes this an attractive proposition.”