Landlord to mark 20 years at pub with two-day party

The landlord of a Billingshurst pub rolling back drinks prices for his regulars on Monday to mark 20 years’ at the pub.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jun 2014, 12:00 BST
Chris Sgambrook ,amager of the Kings Arms in Billingshurst, on a 70s fundraising night - picture submittedChris Sgambrook ,amager of the Kings Arms in Billingshurst, on a 70s fundraising night - picture submitted
Chris Sgambrook ,amager of the Kings Arms in Billingshurst, on a 70s fundraising night - picture submitted

Chris Shambrook took over running the Kings Arms in June 1994 at the age of 24. He was initially brought in as a temporary manager for six weeks, but that soon became permanent.

Highlights over those two decades include a visit from Hollywood actor Hugh Grant when England beat Germany in 2000.

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On Sunday June 29 he has a packed day of live bands and a barbecue. To celebrate the day he took over the lease on Monday June 30, his customers will enjoy a one-off discount.

Kings Arms manager Chris Shambrook in 1994 when he took over running the pub - picture submittedKings Arms manager Chris Shambrook in 1994 when he took over running the pub - picture submitted
Kings Arms manager Chris Shambrook in 1994 when he took over running the pub - picture submitted

He said: “I will roll back the prices to 1994 with most items at £1.50 to reward my regulars (many of them still here) for their custom and for putting up with my dull wit for 20 years.

“I am also trying to source some retro products such as Skol and Scrumpy Jack to help the party along.”

On Sunday there will be live bands including Tom Bradley at 2pm, Madness tribute band Ska Madness (at 4pm and Elephant in the Room at 6.30pm.

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Chris added: “If you have any form of links with the pub current or historical, please join us for fun in the sun this Sunday 2pm.”

Chris gained his experience of pub life working at a holiday camps and pubs and clubs in the Mid Sussex area.

After being granted the licence permanently he introduced a sporting theme, which stands to this day,

He said: “Having eagerly bottled up for my barmaid Mum in the 70s and having a keen thirst myself, I suppose I was always destined for ‘life behind bars’.

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“The Arms now boasts over a dozen sport teams of its own and is a hub of the community with many fundraising events over the years.”

For more information about the pub and the event go to www.ajaxkingsarms.com

Related topics:BillingshurstEnglandHollywood