West Sussex pub saved from last orders

A West Sussex pub has been reopened and refurbished by a local businessman after he secured a six figure loan from Lloyds TSB Commercial.

Already the proprietor of another local pub, The Marquis of Granby, Alan Linton approached Lloyds TSB Commercial in October this year to secure the six-figure lending package needed to purchase the freehold of The Trout in Worthing.

The pub, on Fulbeck Avenue, has been renamed The Farmhouse under Alan’s ownership to reflect the building’s past usage.

The funding provided by the bank also financed a complete refurbishment and essential maintenance checks, including the installation of new bars, new heating, lighting and water systems and the redecoration of the entire property.

The pub has recently reopened, and is targeting a £150,000 turnover in its first year.

The Farmhouse boasts a variety of traditional ales, wines and spirits, and since the renovation of the kitchen at the end of November it also offers a wide range of meals and snacks.

Alan said: “I had been looking for the opportunity to acquire another pub for six months when I came across the property. Despite its desperate need for repair, it was clearly a promising business acquisition and I knew that with the right amount of creativity, vision and determination it could be transformed.

“I wanted to restore the pub back to its former traditional, farmhouse decor but with a modern twist. The Thai food on the menu is a real point of difference from what the conventional English pub offers and I hope that will draw in the local community.

“Thanks to the funding and unwavering support from Lloyds TSB Commercial I have been able to put my business plan into action. The team at the bank has believed in my strategy from day one, and as a result I am now looking forward to a successful year ahead and watching the business grow throughout 2011.”

Terry Porter, business development director at Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: “Alan’s experience in the sector was reflected in his thorough and well-developed business plan, and the combination of his determination and passion for his business means The Farmhouse is in an excellent position to succeed.

“At Lloyds TSB Commercial we strive to help small enterprises develop, and it is extremely rewarding to see how the funding has been used to restore a valued focal point in the local community.”