Phil to answer call to Arms?
Reporter: KEN BENNETT
Date published: 09 June 2010
SPECULATION is growing that a Saddleworth landlord could make a return to a landmark pub.
Phil Whiteman is being tipped to take over The Farrars Arms at Grasscroft which he ran for 23 years until 18 months ago.
It is believed he is in discussions with a high-profile local businessman and a pub company, which controls the fortunes of the pub.
The future of the business has been in the balance since bailiffs moved in a couple of weeks ago.
The pub had been run by Karen Broadbent and Melanie Lord who bought the lease from Mr Whiteman who owns the Old Bell Inn at Delph.
At the time, the women said they had been losing between £500 and £1,000 a week and had run into financial difficulties.
Karen said: “We have both been flogging away at the business — but the more we traded the more we seemed to get into debt.”
However, there have been a series of meetings behind closed doors between Mr Whiteman and a prospective investor keen to see the pub re-open.
And Enterprise Inns, the pub company which own the business, has contacted Mr Whiteman.
Mr Whiteman said: “As soon as The Farrars closed, former customers rang and called to see if I would be coming back.
“It is very flattering and I do not doubt that The Farrars was my first love, particularly as I ran it for so long.
“I have also had discussions with a local businessman who is keen to see if we could reopen the business. But I cannot say more than that at the moment.”
Mr Whiteman confirmed he had been in talks with the pub company. “These are at a very early stage,” he declared. “I do not know what will happen.”
But he added: “I will definitely not be selling The Old Bell. That is simply not an option. It is a thriving business and I am really enjoying myself.”like to see the pub re-open.”
