The freehold and contents of the East Street pub are on the market for £350,000 plus VAT through agents Fleurets, in Hove.

A spokesman for owners Punch Taverns said: "The freehold of the Horse and Groom is currently on the market. We have had considerable interest to date and anticipate that the future of the site is likely to be a food-led outlet."

Described by Fleurets as a 'substantial end of terrace corner property' on the edge of the town centre, the pub has a bar and servery, trade kitchen and toilets on the ground floor, with a draught beer cellar, store rooms, an office and a patio outside with a decked terrace. Upstairs is three-bedroomed private accommodation.

Police executed a drug warrant at the Horse and Groom in August and then successfully applied to magistrates for a closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act on the grounds of evidence of extensive drug use.

It has since remained empty and boarded up.

For the full report and the background behind the police raid on the pub read this week's County Times.

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