A town centre pub is set to reopen under new ownership.
The Malt Shovel, located on Springfield Road, in Horsham, has been closed for seven months, but plans are now in motion for its refurbishment and reopening.
The pub has been bought by operators North and South Leisure, who also own the Kings Arms pub in Horsham, and will operate as a freehouse, meaning it is not tied to a brewery.
The acquisition of The Malt Shovel comes almost eight years after the company refurbished the Kings Arms.
A spokesperson for the company said: "When the opportunity to acquire The Malt Shovel arose we had to take a closer look.
"The Malt Shovel is another wonderful pub in the town and a community asset delivered to the people so well for so many years by Sam and Marie-Clare."
The previous owners, Sam and Marie-Claire Clayton, announced they were leaving the pub in June 2025 after 12 years at the helm.
The spokesperson added that the pub had reportedly received interest from developers, before being bought by the company.
The acquisition of the pub is subject to completion on January 19.
The new owners will be making some changes to the inside and outside of the venue, including the addition of new beer taps, a slight variation to the bar layout to create space for more customers, and extending the garden.
Popular features of the old pub, including cellar-conditioned ales and Saturday night live music performances will remain part of the new offering.
A team of staff is currently being put together for the pub, which is hoped to re-open as soon as mid-February.
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