The Half Moon Inn, Balcombe NORTH SUSSEX CAMRA
The North Sussex CAMRA Branch Pub of the Month for October 2017 is The Half Moon Inn in Balcombe. The only pub in Balcombe village The Half Moon is a small, country pub nestled in the beautiful Sussex countryside. After being put up for sale by Enterprise Inns in April 2016 The Half Moon was listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV). A Working Committee was formed in the village to look to buy the pub and after a period of fund raising and a public share offer, more than 300 shareholders purchased the pub on 24th January 2017. A temporary manager was appointed while a permanent landlord was sought and after a short closure for refurbishment the pub was re-opened on 18th August under the management of Nick Madgett and his wife Di. The Half Moon has got off to a flying start. There are three changing ales, mostly from local breweries, including Bedlam and Dark Star. There is also is cider from Village Green and a great range of wines and spirits, including a selection of interesting Gins. There is a great selection of home-cooked food and the pub is getting rave reviews, both for the food and the service. As well as local ales and ciders, Nick & Di are also selecting meat and vegetables from local farms, and some great desserts from a local bakery.