During the Summer of 2020 Lindfield Life featured local brewer Paul Swaffield and his brewery, Bestens. This article was read by the mother of local pub manager, Dave Pilling, who passed it onto her son as she knew he would be interested. Dave recalls: “My mum showed me the feature on Paul as she knows I have a passion for craft beer and would be interested in a local brewery. I ordered some beers for home delivery from Bestens, and it was Paul who delivered them. We got chatting about brewing and I offered to help at the brewery. I then spent the next few months helping Paul and his team on the canning line.”

It was during these canning sessions that Paul and Dave discussed their shared dream of opening a micropub. The plan was set in motion when they discussed the idea with Paul’s business partner, Lindfield resident, Richard Evans. The three formed a new company and found ideal premises on South Road in Haywards Heath. After navigating the planning and licencing process, followed by a rapid fit-out, The Tap opened its doors to the public on Friday 1st April. Paul said: “I started brewing as a teenager in my parent’s garage in Lindfield over 20 years ago, and now to have our own pub in Haywards Heath is a fantastic feeling. As well as having our dream pub, we have developed a great friendship between the three of us, it’s been quite the journey.”

The Tap is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week, serving Bestens Brewery beers and a variety of guest craft beers too. Also, with the help of their friends from South Down Cellars they have curated a fantastic wine list as well as offering an array of artisan spirits. Dave added: “It’s amazing to think that none of this would have happened if my mum hadn’t handed me that copy of Lindfield Life!”