Looking Back on 2025 

A Big Year of Evolution

Across Fonthill Collective

As the year winds down and we settle by the fire with a pint of dark beer or a mug of mulled wine, it feels like a good moment to pause, take a sip, and look back on what’s been a pretty big year across our little corner of Tunbridge Wells.

We’ve had changes behind the bar, bitter-sweet goodbyes, new beers, new spaces and a growing sense of independence… It’s safe to say 2025 has been a year of momentum, and not just for The George, but across the whole collective.

Join us as we take a look back at what’s changed, what’s grown, and what we’re really proud of.

What Loyalty Means to Us

Right at the start of the year we launched our Fonthill Loyalty Scheme.

So many of our customers are incredibly supportive and loyal, and we love seeing you at our pubs again and again. We’ve been looking for ways to say thank you, to repay that loyalty, and this seemed like the perfect way to do it.

Our new loyalty scheme means you can collect points on every penny spent across our pubs and venues, then trade them in for free pints, exclusive merchandise, such as branded t-shirts and pint glasses, and more.

If you haven’t signed up yet, please take a moment to do so. Aside from allowing us to give something back, it means we can send you a special gift on your Birthday.

SIGN UP NOW

Less Waste and Better Pints at The Forum

In January, we installed draught beer lines at The Forum, helping us cut down on waste and improve what’s in your glass.

It’s a small change that’s made a big difference. Better beer, fewer empty containers, and smoother service on busy nights.

A Refreshed Sussex Basement

It might feel like longer ago, but March this year saw a proper refresh of The Sussex Arms, including new shiny toilets, a lick of paint outside, and, most importantly, investment in the basement venue.

The Forum Basement has gone from strength to strength, becoming a vital part of both The Sussex and The Forum’s live programme. It’s now a venue that truly lives up to its name. Then, in June, something very exciting happened!

A Big Step for the Sussex Arms as it Became a Freehouse

In June 2025, The Sussex Arms officially became a freehouse, stepping away from the beer tie and into full independence.

This change opened the door to something we care deeply about, and that thing is CHOICE. We’re now able to serve 8 core beers (up from 7) and 7 guest lines (up from 3).

More craft beers. More rotating lines. More room for local producers, including, of course, our very own Fonthill beers poured fresh alongside the best independent breweries we can get our hands on.

It’s been brilliant to see the bar evolve, and even better to see how warmly it’s been received.

Fonthill Brewing Co Grows Up (A Bit)

Behind the scenes, it’s been a big year for the brewery too.

In June, as the Sussex broke free from tie, our brewery got a brand new fermentation vessel and additional equipment. We’re so happy to say that Fonthill Brewing Co is now kegging its own beers, alongside cask — with our first product being a Kegged version of Good Morning Captain, a beer that so many of you love.

Kegging our beer means new, tasty beers, more consistency, more flexibility, and more opportunities to get our beers out into the world. Watch this space!

A New Chapter at The George Kitchen

Chef Seb hung up his Ragged apron in September, but he didn’t go far.

As you all probably know now, he set up shop at The George kitchen under the name Sans Pantalon, bringing his talents and a brand new menu (including his famously good Sunday roasts) with him.

If you haven’t already tried Seb’s pub food over at our pub in Tunbridge Wells… Why not?! Good news is, he’s here to stay, which means you can come along any *Thursday to Sunday to enjoy a proper meal and a pint of fresh beer.

*Except during January 2025… Our chef deserves a holiday after all!

The Taproom Becomes a Proper Hire Space

September 2025 also marked the moment when the Fonthill Taproom became our first dedicated private hire venue.

With space for parties up to 50 people, no hire free (just a refundable deposit), it’s already hosted birthdays, work dos and celebrations of all kinds. We’re genuinely delighted to now offer a space that’s dedicated for celebrating your special moments.

A Fresh Look for Fonthill Brewing Co

Did you spot it?

In Autumn this year we launched a brand new Fonthill Brewing Co website, giving the brewery a home that properly reflects what we do, and makes it easier for pubs, bars and event organisers to get in touch. It’s the perfect place to keep up to date with what’s going on at the brewery, learn about our craft beers, and what we’re all about. 

Go take a look. We’d love to hear what you think!

Saying Goodbye to The Ragged (But Not Really)

In October 2025, 19 years after we opened The Ragged Trousers (our very first pub,) we handed the keys over to our good friends Jon and Finn of the Hopbine in Matfield.

It was a big moment — a bitter-sweet moment — but a positive one nonetheless. With new ownership has come a fresh energy and the reviews speak for themselves. Just as importantly, the Ragged’s front-of-house team remain firmly in place; they are still the beating heart and soul of The Ragged Trousers.

The change meant we could focus even more attention on our remaining pubs, brewery and venues…which brings us neatly on to…

Odey’s New Home at The Sussex

With Chef Seb moving into the George kitchen, this meant Odey’s team could move over to The Sussex Arms in the Pantiles, where it’s now serving up food Thursday to Saturday.

It’s been a perfect match. Great food alongside all those new craft beers, in a warm pub with a fantastic atmosphere.

The Philanthropist Coffee Shop and Taproom

What began as a tiny coffee shop has quietly grown into something more.

In October this year, The Phil officially became Fonthill’s taproom in the Pantiles, with Fonthill beers pouring fresh from the tap, alongside wine, softs and one of the best selections of alcohol-free beers around.

If you’re staying in town all day, it means you can start your morning here with a freshly brewed flat white and a pastry… and end it with a freshly brewed pint, hand crafted just up the road.

Irish & Trad Now a Monthly Fixture

After a run of some very popular evenings, Irish & Trad sessions is now officially a permanent fixture at The Sussex Arms! Enjoy this delightful event on the first Sunday of every month.

It’s exactly the kind of thing we love… informal, welcoming, and very much rooted in community.

Rate Our Beers (Seriously, We Read Every One…)

Finally, in December we launched something we’re really excited about: the Fonthill Brewing Co Scorecard.

You can now rate and review every single one of our beers, whenever you try them. Your feedback goes straight to Paul, our head brewer — helping shape our future beers and making sure we make more of what you actually love drinking.

Get your scorecard now

Looking Ahead

This year has been about independence, growth and sharpening our focus on good beer, good food, great music and spaces that feel genuinely local.

Thanks to everyone who’s pulled up a stool, bought a ticket, tried a new pint, or told a friend about us. We’re looking forward to whatever next year brings, and we’ll see you at the bar.