Brighton pub to close for four weeks during major refurbishment

The Bear on Lewes Road is closing from Sunday, January 20 and will reopen on Friday, February 22.

Paula Boxall took over the running of the pub 18 months ago, which is owned by Heineken subsidiary Star Pubs and Bars.

Paula has been running the pub following the death of the previous licensee Peter Piggott, a well-known publican in the Brighton area, for whom she worked for five years both at The Bear and Jolly Brewer.

The 49-year-old carer turned landlady said: “My former boss, Pete, said I should run my own pub. I never thought I’d do it. But having had the last year or so to see if I like it, I thought I’d give it a go. I’m excited by the investment as it will make the pub much nicer for customers and busier, which I am delighted about as I love the social side of my job.

“It’s really good to be taking the pub forward and to be starting my own business at this stage in my life. I never thought this would be the pub I’d take on, but I love that I am carrying it on for Pete. I think he’s looking down on me and saying ‘good for you’.”

Funds are being spent on a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior of the pub.