Hospitality specialist Nick Bolton has taken ownership of The Buxted Inn in Uckfield, thanks to a six figure funding package from HSBC.
Nick, who has a long history of working within the hospitality industry, has purchased the public house and restaurant as his first standalone venture with partner Ariane. He plans to use his years of expertise to improve the food and drink offering available, making it a true hub for the local community and a destination dinning venue for those who live outside the village.
New menus will be introduced, using locally sourced produce to create freshly cooked seasonal meals. The wine list will also be updated with an impressive list of almost 100 wines, which will include all the classics as well as some rare grape varieties and unusual regions. Regular wine tastings introduced to offer locals the chance to sample some of the finest wines from the region. Located in the heart of one of the UK’s key grape producing counties, Nick has future plans to introduce vineyard tours and weekend stay packages for those visiting the area from further afield. Guests are able to stay in one of the eight well equipped bedrooms currently available on site.
Sarah Milligan, HSBC’s Area Director in Kent, said: “Nick has a real passion for hospitality and we are delighted to have been able to support his purchase for the freehold of The Buxted Inn. His ideas to evolve the pub, which is already hugely popular in the area, will create a fantastic hub for local foodies and wine enthusiasts.”
Commenting on his new business venture, Nick said: “We can’t wait to get to know our local customers and hear what they would like to see at The Buxted Inn. We want to create a vibrant hub for the local community and their feedback will be vital to making this a success. We plan to work with as many local suppliers as possible to showcase the amazing produce available in East Sussex.”
Having worked in hospitality for over 15 years, Nick brings with him a wealth of industry experience and knowledge. He has worked in various London wine bars, restaurants and hotels including Davy’s wine bars and Hush Heath Estate as well as training staff for world famous venues such as Claridge’s, Intercontinental, and The Mayfair Hotel.