The Bevy, a cherished community pub in Moulsecoomb, Brighton, is set to go on the market in 2026, raising concerns among locals about the future of one of the city’s most important social hubs.
Owned by the East Brighton Trust, the building requires significant repairs, costing thousands of pounds — an expense the current pub operators say they cannot afford. Rising energy bills, limited grant opportunities, and a drop in winter footfall have made it increasingly difficult for the pub to remain financially viable.
To cope with the strain, The Bevy will reduce its opening hours from January to March, closing at weekends and limiting weekday services to darts, pool, and senior-club events. Despite these changes, the pub team has reassured residents that nothing will change immediately, giving time to find a buyer who can preserve the pub’s community-focused role.
For decades, The Bevy has been far more than just a place to enjoy a drink. It has hosted seniors’ lunches, dementia cafés, disability-friendly events, children’s activities, book clubs, local arts projects, and countless other gatherings. Hundreds of residents rely on the pub each month for social connection and community engagement, making it a lifeline in an area with few alternatives.
The East Brighton Trust and The Bevy’s operators are now calling on community-minded organizations, charities, or businesses to step forward to buy the pub and maintain its role as a vital community space. They are also encouraging locals to support the pub by attending events, volunteering, or helping to raise funds. A public meeting has been scheduled for 14 December to discuss the future of the pub and gather ideas from residents.
The sale of The Bevy highlights the broader challenges facing community-run pubs in the UK, where financial pressures and rising costs threaten spaces that are central to local life. While the pub’s future is uncertain, there is still hope that with the right support, The Bevy can continue to serve as the heart of Moulsecoomb for years to come.
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