After years of decline, The Flying Horse on Waterford Road is experiencing a remarkable renaissance under Sarah and Giulio Battistetti's determined stewardship – but the journey hasn't been without its battles.
The couple took over the lease in February 2024, embarking on an ambitious 18-week refurbishment that would see them completely reimagine what their local pub could be. But their journey to becoming publicans was far from conventional.
From childminder to community champion
Sarah's path to pub ownership began in Worthing before she moved to Ipswich in 2003. After working as a wine shop manager and later in telesales and account management, the arrival of her first child in 2009 changed everything.
"I realised how expensive childcare was, which motivated me to become a childminder for 15 years," Sarah explains. It was this experience working with families that would later shape her vision for The Flying Horse.
When COVID-19 hit, Sarah noticed how resources for children and families were disappearing from the community. "We wanted to find somewhere to do that – for kids and families," she says. The couple initially rented the upstairs of The Flying Horse to run an afterschool club, opening in October 2023.
An unexpected opportunity
Their plans took an unexpected turn when the pub's owner decided to sell in December 2023. Despite never intending to become pub landlords, Sarah and Giulio saw an opportunity to secure their community project's future.
"We kept the team running the bar and secured £30,000 from the Towns Fund to convert the toilets to make them disabled accessible," Sarah says. When the previous pub management left after a few months, the couple found themselves running the entire operation.
Overcoming a troubled past
The Flying Horse, which first opened in 1955 after taking over the licence from the demolished Earl Grey pub, had developed a reputation that Sarah describes as "30 years of looking like it's shut." The venue had its share of problems, but the couple implemented a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and antisocial behaviour.
"It was a gamble, but it paid off," Sarah reflects. "We're becoming a community hub again."
A new model for community hospitality
The transformation centres on a dual approach: alcohol-free café service during weekday daytimes until 17:00, then transitioning to a full pub and restaurant operation in the evenings and weekends. Their menu reflects this family-friendly ethos.
"It's always been about communities and inclusivity," Sarah emphasises. The venue serves the Whitehouse and Whitton estates – areas that have often lacked accessible community spaces.
Their events programme showcases this commitment, with regular quiz nights, family entertainment including magicians, live music, and themed evenings. The Facebook events calendar shows a venue buzzing with activity, from "Tea & Toast Free Meet" sessions to karaoke nights and tribute acts.
Winning hearts and minds
The couple's approach extends beyond hospitality. They welcome well-behaved dogs in the bar and garden, maintain full accessibility, and operate as a child-friendly venue until 22:00. It's this inclusivity that sets them apart in a challenging market.
"We have lots of people visit us who haven't been in for 20-plus years, due to its state of repair and bad reputation," Sarah explains. "They are amazed by how different it looks, the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and welcoming attitude to everybody. They love everything about it!"
But winning over sceptical locals hasn't been easy. The couple have faced "unsubstantiated complaints, abuse online, personal messages", and people "trying it on, pushing boundaries and wanting to do and behave how they wanted."
"We had to stand strong with our rules, and we won through in the end," Sarah reflects.
The personal cost of transformation
The commitment comes at a significant personal cost. Sarah admits to working 18-hour days with no days off, and the pressure has tested their marriage. "It's pushed us apart in our marriage, but we brought us back together, and just try to see every 'experience' as a learning curve, a lesson."
There have been moments of doubt. "Yes. Many," Sarah says when asked if they've questioned their decision. "When it's bad, it's bad, but when it's good, it's actually really great!! And we're proud of what we have achieved in only a few months."
What keeps them going? "'This too shall pass' and just looking for the good. We have a really supportive team which massively helps!"
Celebrating success
The transformation is already paying dividends. The Flying Horse is gearing up to celebrate its first-year anniversary in September with a special music event featuring Britain's Got Talent finalists Northants Sing Out, complete with BBQ, karaoke, and a free magic show – a far cry from the venue's troubled past.
Despite the challenges, the couple have ambitious plans. They're developing an outside bar and converting a field with a stage for up to 400 people, planning five major events annually. They're also introducing a free taxi service – offering up to £10 towards taxi rides home for customers spending £40 or more.
"So no designated driver anymore!" Sarah says excitedly.
Their definition of success remains refreshingly modest: "Enough money to pay all the staff, the bills, and us a wage is enough."
The bottom line
Sarah and Giulio's story demonstrates how determination and community spirit can breathe new life into struggling venues. In an era where UK pub numbers have declined from around 60,000 in 2000 to just 45,000 by 2024, their success in transforming The Flying Horse offers hope for the future of community hospitality.
Their advice to prospective publicans reflects hard-won wisdom: "Be flexible, think outside the box, don't be a one-trick pony, and have strict boundaries and rules!"
As Sarah puts it, "We truly want to change the reputation of the venue. Everyone is welcome, and we're family friendly!"
If you want to experience the Flying Horse at its best, head along to their first-year anniversary event on 20 September. Details below.
