A pub in Flackwell Heath has officially reopened its doors after a local campaign by staff to acquire ownership - to the delight of customers old and new. 

Emma Jamieson, 35, and Charlie Himi, 33, have had their hands very full over the last week or so – following a stressful period when their jobs and livelihoods were suddenly put in limbo, the two friends and co-workers have now successfully become the acting owners of The Stag and The Green Dragon pubs in Flackwell Heath.

Emma, manager of The Stag, and Charlie, its head chef, were caught off guard at the beginning of May when the pub’s owner announced a near-immediate-effect closure, leaving members of staff who lived on the premises in a particularly precarious position.

After a campaign to raise awareness of the less-than-ideal situation, The Stag and The Green Dragon are now both back in operation, and despite the pressure of suddenly holding the reins for two popular local establishments, Emma said the first few days of business have been “really, really brilliant”.

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Flackwell Heath’s resident DJ (and loyal customer) Deja-View helped to kick off a reopening party on Friday, May 31, and the weekend saw a wholehearted return to form for the two pubs, which have undergone minor alterations under Emma and Charlie’s helm but remain the same in all the ways that made them so beloved in the community.

“Sunday was really busy – especially food wise, and especially for Charlie’s Sunday Roasts. We’re also already planning our first painting evening and we’ve got a Moroccan night booked in when Charlie’s husband is going to come in and cook specially for us.

“We’re still getting used to it, but we’re really enjoying it too. All of the staff live locally, and it’s great to hear from people how happy they are that we’re back open and that we’re in control.

“Everybody’s just really happy.”

Emma previously told the Free Press that The Stag’s former owner had “turned down” some of her community-centric ideas for events and groups.

Adding: “We’re planning to do lots of different events, like coffee mornings, painting sessions, and whatever people want us to.

“We can do what we want now – it’s exciting.”