IW: What inspired you to start your own business?

JS: I never actually had any burning desire to open my own business! I have worked in the hospitality industry since I was 15 and it became my full time career when I moved from West Yorkshire to Brighton 13 years ago. Having managed several pubs and restaurants over this time (and picked up a brilliant husband along the way!), when the opportunity arose for us to give it a shot ourselves, we took it!

IW: What is the best thing about what you do?

JS: Without a doubt, the best thing about my job is the people. Over the years I have met so many wonderfully interesting people, both colleagues and customers alike and when I see people meeting for the first time and creating new friendships in our little pub, it gives me an overwhelming feeling of happiness.

IW: What pearl of wisdom would you impart to anyone wanting to set up their own business?

JS: Do your research and always expect the unexpected!! Owning your own business has many pros, but it can also be incredibly stressful. I've been doing this for over a decade now and I'm still learning!

IW: What are your ‘go to’ local businesses?

JS: Mike and I shop local as much as possible. We can regularly be spotted grabbing a coffee and sausage roll from the best bakery in Worthing (in our opinion!), The Pantry on South Farm Road. We are also huge fans of Om on Rowlands Road. Their food is unlike anything else in town. For everything else, we shop in Hisbe in the town centre. Everyone must try it, you wont be disappointed!

IW: What do you get up to in your spare time?

JS: Spare time?! Not counting this past year of course, when the pub is in full swing I don't get a great deal of spare time. When I do, I like to wander around the charity and antique shops looking for any hidden and overlooked gems.

IW: What’s your guilty pleasure?

JS: My guilty pleasure is (was) weekends away. Mike and I love nothing more than packing up the car with Tess our dog in the back and heading off to search for our new favourite pub!

IW: What’s your favourite way to start the day?

JS: My day always starts the same. Wake up early ish, cup of coffee and read the news in bed, then I take Tess for her walk. Every morning I feel grateful to live in such a lovely part of the country.

IW: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things could you not do without?

JS: Wine, husband's cooking, husband. The order is interchangeable.

IW: What plans do you have for the future?

JS: My plans for the future look very different to what they did this time last year. I think a lot of people's priorities have shifted, either by a small nudge or an entirely new path. My plans for my new future include just one thing: to live every day to the fullest.

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