Yule never believe what just crept in

GUEST APPEARANCE . . . Spinners Arms manager Simon Rowe and barmaid Mica Coley show off the pub’s newest visitor.

KEN BENNETT THE ivy has nipped in before the holly to celebrate Christmas at a cosy pub in Springhead.

A long strand of bright green creeper has poked through the thick walls of The Spinners Arms in Woodbrook Avenue during the build-up to the festive season.

And smart-thinking landlord Gareth Shore has turned the surprise visitor into a feature by dressing its stem and leaves in colourful baubles and tinsel.

Gareth, who took over the recently-renovated pub three months ago, said the ivy appeared between the outside wall and ceiling in the pub's lounge.

“It was just a tiny, wispy strand of greenery at first,” he said. “But in the last few weeks, it has grown to over two feet and has become a real talking point among my locals.

“The pub is always warm and friendly and I guess the ivy wanted to be part of the atmosphere ahead of our Yuletide celebrations.”

Spinners manager Simon Rowe added: “There is ivy on the pub’s exterior walls and this stray creeper adds a novelty to the setting.

“It doesn’t look out of place at all – particularly as I have draped it with festive colours – and with Christmas just round the corner, a few sprigs of holly should set it off nicely.”

Bob Marshall, a pub regular who lives locally, said: “The green creeper is becoming longer by the day.

“It definitely responds to the jovial atmosphere of the pub - especially on quiz nights when it’s been seen nodding up and down to several of the questions!”

J W Lees area manager Jack Partington, whose brewery supplies beers to the Spinners, said: “Ivy does has a habit of getting into the most unusual places. We are glad it helps bring some cheer to customers at this time.”