We've been through some turbulent times of late with the departure of Nigel and what felt like an eternal period of The Gate being closed.
Huge thanks go to Nigel for getting The Gate back on track after a few years in the wilderness - he did an awful lot for the place (not least, getting the pub's proper name back) and he'll always be regarded as one of The Gate's truly legendary gaffers.
Nigel is back on the scene with the newly opened Traylor's (formerly J.D.'s, The Bitter End - or, if you're really old - Maxwells and Upstairs, Downstairs) on South Parade. We all wish him well with his new venture and it's great to see him back in Sutton.
Meanwhile, back on Mill Street, The Gate is now back in business with new manager Neil Murray. Neil's face will be familiar to anyone who's frequented The Gate over the last decade or so and it's wonderful to see such a top bloke at the helm as we head off into a new decade.
Good news all round, then - and it's not too often we get to say that about Sutton's pub scene - perhaps there really is a Father Christmas!