Hospitality experts take on The Thatched Inn

July 24, 2025

Charlie Burbidge-King and James Fitzgerald (pictured with marketing manager Chris Keating and BDM Stuart Brown)

The picturesque Thatched Inn near Hassocks in East Sussex has been in the capable hands of new business owners Charlie Burbidge-King and James Fitzgerald since May.

James and Charlie have known each other for 20 years, but it was when Charlie moved to Hassocks with his family last year that their collaboration started. Charlie said: “James welcomed us to the village on the day we moved in. The next day, he sent through details of The Thatched Inn.” They quickly established they were both interested in the pub and started working together to secure it.

Before moving to Hassocks, Charlie worked as the operations manager for a hospitality group in London, while James is a director for a range of events and projects which include the New Year’s Eve fireworks. Their complementary experiences in hospitality make them perfect partners at the pub, and they worked with outgoing business owners David and Lisa to ensure a smooth transition.

The Thatched Inn is a Hassocks landmark, known for its roof of Norfolk reeds, oak beams and spectacular views over the Sussex countryside. Charlie & James have already implemented some renovations, creating light, welcoming spaces to make the most of the architectural features.  They have also expanded the wine list, recruited a new chef and redesigned the garden, with plans to install an outdoor cooking area and a fabulous new children’s playground to the side of the pub.

Charlie & James have taken on The Thatched Inn at a time when Hassocks is expanding. James says:

“We’re thinking about what’s right for the community. There’s change going on and we want to lean into that change and make it positive.”