‘Unsavoury customers’ ruin pub’s return to life
PUB owners have hit out at ‘unsavoury customers’ for spoiling the venue’s reopening after months of lockdown.
Bosses at The Blacksmiths Arms at Kirkheaton spent a large amount of money creating a salubrious wood-panelled beer garden for 100 people as well as a fire pit.
But a “small minority” of drinkers caused problems, making it an “uncomfortable experience” for staff at the popular pub and restaurant.
A pub spokesman said: “The way our staff have been spoken was Huddersfield town centre was October.” She added: “It’s nice to be out seeing other people after being in lockdown so long.”
Jamie Davies, from Fenay Bridge, who was shopping with his family, said he hadn’t been into town in around 12 months.
He joked that the easing of lockdown might cost him a few quid because of higher shopping bills.
Jamie, a lorry driver, used his free time in lockdown to lose weight, to and treated this week has been appalling and won’t be tolerated. Please remember we have the right to refuse to serve anyone.”
In a statement, the pub announced new closing times and said the fire pit would no longer be lit on an evening.
A pub spokesman said: “Due to a minor but unsavoury amount of customers, our closing hours are as follows: Monday/Saturday, last orders for food AND drink at 9 and closed at 10.
“Sunday, last orders at 8 for food AND drink and close at 9. On closing time the whole site will be expected to be fully empty. Thank you to all the dropping from over 30 stone to around 24. He was waiting patiently in a queue outside CEX with his two sons and his wife.
The town centre was bustling, with people enjoying food and drink outdoors and under special pop-up hospitality tents.
Shoppers said they felt safe after months of lockdown, although most people appeared to be taking sensible precautions by wearing masks and keeping their distance. A handful of respectful customers over the opening week for giving us your business and your patience, however, a small minority have made it an uncomfortable experience.”
The spokesman added: “Rules are there for a reason and should be followed, anyone not adhering to them will be asked to leave immediately.
“The way our staff have been spoken to and treated this week has been appalling and won’t be tolerated. Please remember we have the right to refuse to serve anyone.
“The fire pit will also no longer be lit on an evening.
“It’s a shame after over five months of being shut and all uniformed police officers were on hand and uniformed council staff were also present.
The Primark queue remained busy for most of the afternoon as shop staff restricted the number of people entering the store.
Several people had come from Halifax as it does not have a Primark. The Shaw-Peters family had popped over from Elland. Asked what they were shopping for, they said: “Anything and everything.” the effort that we have gone into making an experience outside better for everyone it’s come to this. Sorry to all our customers that respect the rules and our neighbours but unfortunately this has to be done.
”We don’t hope to add more restrictions as this is getting damaging to our business, but will consider it if things do not improve.”
Earlier this month the pub announced details of its new outdoor space. The new space includes eight outdoor booths and a home-built fire pit.
The pub’s owners had spent a ‘significant sum’ on the new outdoor area.
A “MAGICAL” woodland restaurant offering a “bottomless brunch” is set to open this week.
The Venue Bar and Kitchen, nestled in the heart of Storthes Hall Park, Kirkburton, will open from 11.30am to late, Thursday to Sunday.
The restaurant will offer a collection of classic food with modern twists, from gourmet burgers and handmade pizzas to “spiked apple pie” cocktails.
Manager Steven Moore said The Venue is an “incredibly unique place to relax” thanks to its beautiful woodland location. Tables in the al-fresco dining area will be free to book from Thursday.