Godstone publicans receive two awards in recognition of their 20 year anniversary

Godstone publicans, Mark and Alison Cullinan were delighted to receive two awards in recognition of their 20-year anniversary at The Hare & Hounds this year.  The first much valued award was a tongue-in-cheek blue plaque from villagers and the second is from the pub's owners Star Pubs & Bars, paying tribute to Mark and Alison for the contribution that they have made to village life during their 20 years running the 400-year-old pub.

Prior to taking on The Hare & Hounds, Mark and Alison had run a pub in Caterham.  Says Mark: "Godstone is a lovely village in a beautiful location with a real sense of community.  So when the previous tenants moved on we leapt at the chance to take on the lease for The Hare & Hounds.  We haven’t looked back.  It’s been a great 20 years, a real joy to run the pub.  The locals are lovely and have become good friends.  As for retiring, we’ve no intention of doing so.  Covid-19 gave us an insight into what life would be like if we didn’t run The Hare & Hounds, and it wasn’t very appealing!”

The couple has increased trade during their time at the pub, surviving knock backs like the smoking ban and Covid-19.  They have worked hard to rebuild their business post covid and have established a reputation for affordable pub classics done to a high standard.  Alison is the pub chef and takes pride in sourcing local ingredients and preparing dishes from scratch.

During the pandemic the couple continued to cook takeaway meals for the local community, delivering them to people’s houses, enabling them to look out for those who were socially isolated. 

As well as offering great food, The Hare & Hounds hosts monthly open mic nights and popular psychic events every eight weeks.  They plan to reintroduce a pub quiz in the winter. In addition to raising funds, Mark helped run the local cricket club for a number of years.  Sadly, it had to close down as a result of the pandemic as the grounds were ruined.

Mark adds: “It’s Alison and my turn now to say thank you to our wonderful regulars for all their support over the years and for the touching plaque, albeit a cheeky one!”

The blue plaque from regulars says: “To the best landlords in the world.  A proper nice little boozer.  Mark & Ali Cullinan.  Running the Hare & Hounds, Godstone since 4^th May 2004 (when they’re not on holiday).”

Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Mark Marijnen says: “Mark and Alison are without doubt much loved in Godstone. I am delighted to be giving them this award in recognition of their contribution to the community.  The fact that regulars have got together to create their own award to say thank you, says it all.  I wish Mark and Alison many happy years ahead behind the bar and their regulars many happy days and nights in their local.”