Change is brewing at former 1066 pub

Back in August the Observer reported the current owner of the 1066 pub in the High Street wanted to turn the disused building into a bistro and restaurant, with a tea and coffee paraphernalia museum on the first floor.

But this week it has been revealed those plans appear to have been abandoned in favour of opening a branch of Costa Coffee.

The 1066 closed in 2009 and has stood boarded up ever since.

Earlier this week a planning application was submitted to Rother District Council to install new signage, a replacement serving counter, flooring and furniture layouts and air-conditioning units in the building ready for Costa Coffee to take over.

Permission to change the use of the Grade II listed building is not needed, meaning subject to the plans being approved, Costa Coffee could move straight in.

Commenting on the news, Dale Cromwell, chairman of the Battle and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have got to take it as a positive that a large brand wants to set up a premises in Battle.

“We are well-known for our local independent shops but we are starting to entice the big names too, which goes to show Battle is on the up and up.”

Battle Town Council said it is pleased the 1066 is to be brought back into use, but councillors have not yet considered the details of the planning application.

The plans are due to be discussed at a town council planning meeting on March 28.

It is not the first time a chain store has been linked to the 1066.

In 2010 pub chain J D Wetherspoons denied rumours that it was to take over the empty pub.

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