Historic pub is open again following major revamp

An historic Holmfirth pub reopens today – 30 August – after a five-week closure and a £275,000 refurbishment.

The revamp of The Shoulder of Mutton on Dunford Road has transformed the previously rundown local.

The project was carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and The Shoulder of Mutton’s new operators Yorkshire pub company TL Inns, which has 15 pubs across the region.

Sean Womack from Doncaster is taking the helm as the new licensee.

The Shoulder of Mutton is believed to be amongst the oldest pubs in Holmfirth, with records of landlords dating back to 1803.

Exterior works on the three-storey building included cleaning the Yorkshire stone, repainting and adding new signage, planters and barrel tables at the front.

A space at the rear has been transformed into an enclosed 64-seater alfresco area complete with festoon lighting, planting and a covered pergola with heaters for year-round use.

Inside The Shoulder of Mutton incorporates features such as the traditional style bar, a restored fireplace and quirky artwork.

There are four regularly changing brews on tap with accompanying tasting notes, and customers are welcome to “try before they buy”.

The pub also stocks an extensive selection of other drinks ranging from classic cocktails to all-day barista-quality coffee. Complementing the drinks are tapas-style British pub classics for snacking and sharing, such as mini fish and chips, burgers and loaded waffle fries.

Womack said: “The Shoulder of Mutton has stood proud in Holmfirth for more than 200 years, and it’s been sad to see it lose its way in recent times.

“It looks fantastic now, thanks to the investment. It’s exciting to be opening the doors and showing everyone the changes. People who’ve seen it are bowled over.”

Claire Richardson, Star Pubs’ business development manager for Holmfirth, added: “We’re happy with the revamp and we hope local residents are too.

“The Shoulder of Mutton is very much a traditional pub with fantastic beer and a warm welcome but has a twist that brings something different to Holmfirth.

“TL Inns are highly experienced operators who specialise in bringing Yorkshire pubs back to life and with them at the reins, The Shoulder of Mutton is in safe hands.”