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New breed of ‘mine host’ takes over pub

Jo Rostron
29/ 6/2005

IT'S not every day you see a shire horse in a pub, unless of course the Three Arrows at Pilsworth happens to be your local.

The watering hole has just been taken over by local farmer and businessman Mick Booker who is aiming to recreate the time when the pub enjoyed its heyday - staff included.

To get back the old fashioned country feel he has recruited five former employees in the kitchens and front of house.

"I've known the pub for years and I want to get families back here," Mick said. "We've done the gardens now and will be creating an area for the kids with ponies and lambs."

But stealing the show are prizewinning shires Beth and Vicky who make popular guest appearances in the grounds on a weekend.

Though Mick is hoping to create the family atmosphere of days gone by, the interior of the pub has had a major transformation with the tap room and restaurant swapping places.

The menus have been overhauled with local produce the order of the day. Beef is supplied from Mick's own cattle as he runs a number of farms in the area, including Whittle Fold and Collop Gate in Heywood, while veg is sourced from other nearby producers.

And Mick will now be hoping for the same success with this business venture as he has had with his horses, at the recent Todmorden show their foals scooped first prize and Beth and Vicky were both placed.

The pub is throwing a re-opening party on Friday night.