BREWHOUSE and Kitchen has opened a brewpub – Horsham’s first onsite brewpub and brewery.

The venue is steeped in history, having been a staple in the community as a pub for the past 150 years except for a recent brief stint as a Japanese dining restaurant.

Brewhouse and Kitchen has brought the venue back to its roots, drawing on the rich history to brew and name the unique and inspired beers and refurbish the pub.

The launch evening included bar games, live entertainment and complimentary drinks.

Simon Bunn, co-founder of Brewhouse and Kitchen, said: “We are very excited to open a Brewpub in Horsham and look forward to making lots of local friends, providing a service to the fantastic and welcoming community.

“To be located in Horsham’s town centre is wonderful, allowing us to deliver a truly unique pub experience to residents and visitors alike and embrace the community with open doors and full kegs.

“It strikes the perfect balance between style and substance.

“Leading the culinary charge for the area’s hospitality options, the venue will boast an innovative summer menu, complete with seasonal beer pairing suggestions and no less than 23 vegan and vegetarian options – more than any other UK pub group.”

Founded in 2011 by pub industry veterans Simon Bunn and Kris Gumbrell, the fast-growing SME has 22 sites across the country, 17 of which have opened in the past two years.

There are more than 400 staff and it has one of the largest award-winning beer portfolios in the world.

With the pub industry facing challenging times, Simon and Kris saw an opportunity to acquire high-quality buildings to convert into Brewhouse and Kitchen pubs – influenced by the growing trend of craft beer and speciality food.