Quiet East Sussex village could get new pub: company applies to create bar at Glynde railway station and refurbish derelict site to ‘extremely high standard’

Steamworks Bakehouse and Bar said it is looking to expand following the success of the Steamworks at Seaford Railway Station.

Their recent application to South Downs National Park requests changing the use of the former railway station to a bar and light refreshment facility.

People can view the application at www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-applications/find-an-application using reference SDNP/24/00706/FUL

In its application The Steamworks said: “We have recently secured an alcohol premises license and signed a long lease on a small site at Glynde train station. We hope to refurbish the derelict site to an extremely high standard. We aim to sell top quality food and beverage sourced locally to support sustainable local business.”

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Steamworks said the site was built in 1844 by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway, calling Glynde station ‘a small but perfectly formed early Victorian structure with a wealth of historical features and architecture’. But they said the building has been empty for a long time and they aim to bring it ‘back to its former glory’. The company said this will involve ‘sympathetically restoring the building’ with an emphasis on its history and surroundings.

Steamworks said: “With over 30 years’ experience in hospitality and catering, the aim is to create a unique and attractive environment where our discerning customers can enjoy a small and intimate experience with a focus on comfort, ambience, excellent service and outstanding local food and beverage worthy of the South Downs National Park and surrounding areas.”

Steamworks believe they have found ‘the perfect venue’ after meeting with Glynde and Beddingham Parish Council and residents.

Steamworks co-owner Stuart Ward said: “We have a bar in Seaford that works really well and we see it as a community hub. It’s a very small and intimate venue and that’s what we’re trying to recreate in Glynde.”

Stuart said this would be the first pub in Glynde since the Trevor Arms closed in 2017. But he said the team see it as more of a ‘café/bar’ supporting local breweries.

The company said their staff would be fully trained in all aspects of food and beverage service, adding that South Downs national park was ‘blessed with some truly outstanding brewers and breweries’. They said they are supported by: Abyss Beewery (Lewes); Gun Brewery (Heathfield); 360 Degree Brewery (Sheffield Park); 3 acre brewery (Heathfield); Only with Love Brewery (Uckfield) and many others. Steamworks said these breweries will provide them with unique Cask Real Ales, bitters, stouts, porters and craft small batch pale ales and lagers. They will serve a small selection of spirits and mixers too, as well as wines, hot drinks and soft drinks.

Councillor Paolo De Paolis, chairman of the Glynde and Beddingham Parish Council, said: "Since the Trevor Arms closed in 2017, Glynde has been without a pub, although we have had the social club for locals. While there are some concerns in the village about the location of the proposed Steamworks venture, next to an active railway line and a residential property, in general we would welcome the return of a pub to the village scene. Not just as a hub for villagers but also for the many walkers who would visit for a meal and a drink, as Glynde has the South Downs right on its doorstep.”