08/04/2026
The Royal George – Recent History and Future
Background and recent tenancy
The tenancy of The Royal George by Ruth and Leon is scheduled to end on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2024, Jo Lee, the freehold owner, put in place a “turn key” rental arrangement that allowed Ruth and Leon to take over the day to day pub trade, while Jo Lee carried out the necessary capital expenditure to support both the café and pub operations.
Eurasia Kitchen operated alongside the pub until the end of February 2024, after which the kitchen operation was handed over to Ruth and Leon so they could also provide pub food directly. The terms and structure of this arrangement were designed specifically for Ruth and Leon to help maintain a viable pub facility in Hurst Green; however, they have chosen to end this arrangement for their own reasons, with their final day being 31 March 2026.
Long term ownership and investment
Jo Lee has owned The Royal George since 1996 and has supported and maintained a pub facility in Hurst Green for approximately 30 years. At the time of purchase, The Royal George was regarded locally as a “white elephant” and while some suggested at the time that the business would not survive 12 months, it has continued to operate through difficult personal and economic periods over the last three decades.
Throughout these periods, Jo Lee has accepted the financial cost and business risk of keeping The Royal George open as a pub, rather than closing it or disposing of it for alternative use, at a time when many similar rural businesses have become unviable. This long term commitment forms the basis for the current ownership position; there is no intention, and the owner is under no obligation, to sell the property to other parties, whether local or otherwise.
Wider context: pub closures
Since 1996, a significant number of pubs in the surrounding area have permanently closed, reflecting strong economic, financial and regulatory pressures on small rural businesses. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, around six pubs per week “closed for good” in 2024, amounting to roughly 300 closures in that year alone.
Locally, the following pubs have closed permanently since 1996: The Old Bull (Hurst Green), The Cross Keys (Hurst Green), The White Horse (Hurst Green), The Horse and Hound (Flimwell), The Royal Oak (Flimwell), The Etchingham Arms (Etchingham), The Admiral Vernon (Burwash), The Seven Stars (Robertsbridge), The Oak & Ivy (Hawkhurst), The Black Pig (Hawkhurst), The Cricketer (Hawkhurst) and The Curlew (Bodiam). This pattern underlines that sustaining a viable pub business in a small village like Hurst Green is challenging and depends on careful management, investment, and realistic expectations.
Plans from 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026, Jo Lee will resume direct operational responsibility again for The Royal George with the aim of preserving a pub facility for the village, while a longer term solution is explored. The intention is to operate on a limited hours model, opening at weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), and to make the premises available for hire by local groups and organisations.
During these weekend openings, Eurasia will return to provide dining and takeaway services focused on Far East cuisines, with the pub operating alongside. Jo Lee’s objective is to maintain this weekend and hire based operation for approximately 18 to 24 months, while options are assessed for a sustainable long term formula to support the continuation of a pub function at The Royal George for the benefit of the village and community.
Communication with the community
The purpose of this statement is to provide clear factual information on ownership, recent management changes and future plans, and to support constructive dialogue within the community. The owner is keen to continue working with local residents and groups to keep a pub facility in Hurst Green, while also ensuring that any future arrangements are financially sustainable and proportionate to the risks and responsibilities involved in running the business.
Further updates on opening hours, events and food service will be shared through The Royal George and Eurasia Kitchen pages.
