The Frog and Nightgown, Faygate NORTH SUSSEX CAMRA·TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2017
North Sussex CAMRA Branch Pub of the Month for August 2017 is Frog and Nightgown in Faygate, near Horsham. Having re-opened in May 2016 the Frog and Nightgown has quickly re-established itself in the hearts of ale drinkers across the branch. Situated just a mile off the A264, the pub has been referred to as ‘one of Horsham’s best kept secrets’. Surrounded by fields, the large pub garden is perfect for relaxing with a cold drink on a sunny afternoon. During the colder months, the traditional ale pub feel, complete with original open fires and chesterfield sofas welcomes you to relax to your favourite record on the radiogram, with your favourite drink intact. 100 years ago, the pub was known as The Royal oak, serving bottled beers to the first ten people to come through the door, as this was all the small pub could accommodate. Formerly two cottages, Janet and Jim Reynolds purchased the building, extended the bar area and renamed the pub in 1990. Jim, a WWII Halifax pilot and his wife Janet, a school teacher, provided the local community with a place to gather and socialise. Jim passed away in 2010, leaving Janet to solely run the premises, with help from the locals, but this all came to an end when Janet sadly passed away towards the end of 2012. Over the next three years, the pub laid empty, with a few offers made to turn the building from a pub, back into the two cottages it was originally. These were declined by Janet’s family, much to the joy of the locals. With such a community created over the years, each Christmas Eve, everyone would gather together for a Carols service in a neighbours property. On the gathering of 2015, a
local couple, known to drink in the pub for over 20 years, announced they had purchased the property, and were set to reopen in the first half of the year. Coral and Ritchie Gatt - friends of Janet - bought the pub in December and spent the next few months refurbishing it. It is now being run by their son Lewis Gatt together with his girlfriend Joely Williams - and pub dog Otto. Working closely with local breweries in Sussex, The Frog and Nightgown aims to provide cask ales, specialty draught beers, and a range of different ciders. Lewis and Joely run regular events including quiz nights, open mic nights, a classic car show, live music, wine tasting, and Morris dancing. There is also a Tea Room serving light lunches, fantastic coffees and superb cakes The Frog and Nightgown is a “hidden gem� and well worth a visit.
OPENING HOURS: Monday 17:30 - 22:00 Tuesday - Friday 17:00 - 22:30 Saturday 12:00 - 22:00 Sunday 12:00 - 18:00 CONTACT: Wimland Road, Faygate, RH12 4SS Tel: +44 (0) 1293 852764 Website: Frog and Nightgown FB: @thefrogandnightgown