East Hoathly, 1 November 2025 — Kings Head Community Benefit Society launched its Community Share
Offer at an event at the Kings Head pub in East Hoathly on Saturday 01 November. The initiative – which is also
being supported by chef and restaurateur Tom Kerridge – aims to bring the cherished local pub into community
ownership, by selling shares to raise funds for its purchase.
The launch event was packed, with over 200 turning up to hear all about the group’s plans for the Kings Head as
a community pub, safeguarding its future as a thriving social and cultural hub. It was so busy that an extra
presentation session had to be arranged for everyone to hear about the group’s vision for the pub under
community ownership. Visitors were also treated to an afternoon of drinks, live music, refreshments and the
premier of a short film on why this is so important to local people. It was an uplifting and emotional afternoon,
full of positivity, warmth and community spirit.
The community share offer must raise between £500k and £650K to be successful. Since the launch on
Saturday, over £250k of shares have been purchased, with applications continuing to pour in.
Michael Evans, Chair of Kings Head Community Benefit Society, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation
opportunity to take ownership of a vital community asset. The Kings Head has been the beating heart of East
Hoathly for over 250 years, and with the support of local people, we can ensure it remains so for generations to
come. It already feels like it’s our pub but now let’s make that a reality for us all by investing in shares.”
Other Quotes of Support
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, offered her full support for the initiative, stating: “Sussex Weald pubs and
breweries contribute a huge amount locally both to our local economy and to the social life of our communities.
I was pleased to meet with Kings Head Community Benefit Society to support their aims, vision, and plans for
the Kings Head’s future.” [sussexweal…ves.org.uk]
Tom Kerridge, one of the UK’s most respected chefs and publicans, also said: “When I was filming ‘Saving
Britain’s Pubs’ for the BBC, I saw the magic generated from communities coming together to create something
that truly matters. And when a village takes ownership of its pub, something incredible happens. It becomes
more than a business. It becomes the beating heart of that place. I’ve seen it, and believe me, it’s powerful
stuff. It brings pride, purpose, and a proper sense of belonging. So, get involved. Spread the word. This is your
moment to join forces, rally as a community and then be able to say “This is our pub. This is our place.”.
[https://www.kingsheadcbs.org.uk/support-from-tom-kerridge]
How to Apply for Shares
The Community Share Offer is open to individuals over 18 and businesses / organisations who want to invest in
the future of the Kings Head. Each shareholder becomes a member of the Society with a say in how the pub is
run. Share offer documents (including the option to apply online) are available from the Society’s website.
Further Information
To learn more about the share offer, business plan, and the vision for the Kings Head as a community pub, visit:
https://www.kingsheadcbs.org.uk/ or contact the team directly at: info@kingsheadcbs.org.uk. You can also
follow updates and news on social media:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kingsheadcbs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsheadcbs/
