Ted & Maggie Hirst had lived in Crowborough for a number of years before taking their first pub, the Royal Oak in Southborough, in 1999. They then moved on to their first Harvey’s pub, the Rose & Crown in Burwash where they stayed for two years, before returning to Crowborough and the Wheatsheaf in January 2004.

Having been occasional past visitors, they knew that this was a lovely but largely undiscovered traditional gem, and their task was to unlock it’s potential. Fortunately, along with the pub came a loyal and devoted band of regular customers, and a popular full time barmaid, Sue. This was the basis on which Ted & Maggie were able to apply their experiences of the past few years, and to which they added Fran, their part time barmaid who has worked for them in all three pubs, and Anne their chef.

The Wheatsheaf is now a thriving and energetic pub, it’s open all day from noon, good home cooked ‘proper’ food is available at lunchtime Monday to Saturday, and in the evenings Tuesday to Thursday. There are roaring fires in winter, a super garden in summer with the recent addition of heated smoking shelters, a crib team, a petanque team, Leek Society, a very active golf society, plenty of good live music, and beer festivals in Spring and Autumn. In 2004 we were awarded 1st place in Harveys suburban house floral and garden competition, and in 2005 we were runner up in Harveys best kept cellar competition. Best and most importantly of all, the customers are both friendly and fantastic, and the championship winning beers are, well, champion!

Now, after nearly 160 years, The Wheatsheaf is a great place to be again, so please explore our website to find out what makes it so special.