The Brooksteed
Unwrapped
In the 5th instalment of our Independent Worthing: Unwrapped series, we meet the people behind award winning micropub, The Brooksteed, John and Aaron.
The Brooksteed was one of the inspirations behind starting the Independent Worthing Facebook group and is a long-standing favourite of all of ours here, and for good reason: their community spirit and welcoming atmosphere is second to none. The staff, the service and range of drinks, the famous Sunday cheeseboards, the spectacular Christmas events, the markets, the fund raising for charities - the list of reasons to love this place is endless.
And a head's up - here at Independent Worthing we will be going behind the scenes at some of the Brooksteed's upcoming events and collaborating on some special ideas in the coming year - so exciting times ahead!
Luckily for us all, the Brooksteed are set to re-open from the 12th April and you can contact them via their website to book a table.
IW: What inspired you to start your own business?
J & A: We ran a mobile gin bar from the back of our Morris Minor, however the car repair bills ate any chance of a profit. We loved our local micro in Hove, The Watchmakers Arms, when we discovered The Brooksteed was for sale We immediately thought – this is for us! We were encouraged by the guys at The Watchmakers to look into the Brooksteed which was for sale at the time and as they say the rest is history!
IW: What is the best thing about what you do?
J & A: We get to meet so many people every day and we have become a part of our local community which is amazing. There is so much good work going on in our industry that being a part of it is absolutely wonderful.
IW: What pearl of wisdom would you impart to anyone wanting to set up their own business?
J & A: DON’T DO IT!!! Just kidding - go for it. Make sure you plan, plan, plan. Some things work on the spur of the moment but having a five year plan will help you so much.
IW: What are your ‘go to’ local businesses?
J & A: We are lucky to be surrounded by some great businesses. Le Deli has some of the best produce in Worthing and The Pantry definitely has the best sausage rolls in the world!
IW: What do you get up to in your spare time?
J & A: Interesting question since we have just had 3 months of spare time. We spent this time building decking, redesigning our garden, learning to re-upholster and all kinds of things. During “normal” times Aaron loves to read and spend time in the garden, he is also an avid charity shop buyer. John is a musician and singer and loves to indulge in his passion for music and anything creative.
IW: What’s your guilty pleasure?
J & A: We are both big fans of “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” though we feel no guilt!
IW: What’s your favourite way to start the day?
J & A: As much coffee as we can get!
IW: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things could you not do without?
J & A: Our 2 dogs – Mabel and Bear and a bottomless keg of anything by Unbarred brewery.
IW: What plans do you have for the future?
J & A: The next step for us is to try to start over where we have had to stop. Reconnect with our customers and community and move on from where we find ourselves at the moment.
IW: Anything else you would like to add?
J & A: We’d like to thank Independent Worthing for providing such a great resource not only for consumers but business as well. Keep up the good work guys!
