Couple’s country delight

HOSTS . . . David Bradbury and Sharon Tyrer

Pair live their pub dream

A couple who have always dreamed of a “Countryfile” lifestyle have taken over a Saddleworth village pub.

David Bradbury and his partner Sharon Tyrer have moved in to the Hanging Gate in Diggle.

And they plan to fulfil their dreams with the help of enthusiastic locals.

The couple have already opened four tastefully appointed bedrooms at the pub on Huddersfield Road to accommodate guests, including tourists and walkers, visiting the area.

Sharon is planning to woo new trade with a delicious range of home-cooked food including her special cheese and onion and steak and ale pies as well as a tempting selection of tasty baguettes.

In a bid to encourage horse-owners to use the pub, she is considering installing a water trough so the horses can have a drink too.

Dave, the former Front House landlord, said: “We have always wanted a pub in the country.

“The locals have made us feel really welcome.

“It is great to step outside your front door and have one of the country’s most famous waterways, the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, right on your doorstep.

“And the fact that the canal links to the Stanedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest waterway in the UK, is a great bonus for the area.

“We were offered a pub in Buxton but once we saw the Hanging Gate there was absolutely no contest.

“We knew as soon as we walked into the premises it was for us.

“It’s in an ideal location to grow the business — close to the canal and delightful open countryside. Diggle itself is really homely and quaint.

“Locals have given us a terrific welcome and have really made us feel at home already.

“We are looking forward to developing relationships with all the community and will do everything to support them.”

Sharon, who is a keen horse rider, said: “I think it would be great for the horses to be able to drink from a trough outside the pub while their riders shared some refreshment.”

The Hanging Gate is headquarters for the Diggle Diamonds, a long-established club for retired folk.

Chairman Mike Hall said: “Dave and Sharon actually laid on free hot drinks for our members at the first meeting — something that has not happened before.

“We really hope they make a success of their venture.”