Popular pub closed for Christmas is having a grand reopening

The team at The Old Plow in Birstall said this month’s re-opening event was a huge success, with customers “flowing” through the doors to enjoy a night of live music. The pub closed for refurbishment just before Christmas, having been in decline for several years.

Following the refurbishment, the doors opened again at lunchtime on Saturday 4th May, giving locals a chance to see the new interior. Charlotte Foy, who took over the pub after many years at the nearby White Horse, said the interior looked “comfortable and welcoming”.

As well as being redecorated inside and out, the pub has new carpets and the walls have been decorated with works by local artists.

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Charlotte said: “After 15 very successful years at The White Horse, we thought about a new challenge and decided to take on The Old Plow as we felt it was sorely missed by the people of the village. We feel there is a great opportunity for a really. good “local pub”.

“We want it to be different to what we do at The White Horse, but still have our signature friendliness, reliability, quality, cleanliness and focus on the Birstall community.”

Live music at the opening event was provided by Dave the Rock Band and The Old Plow will be hosting more live music events in the future. The bar has four traditional beers plus two guest beers, a good selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks.

There are also traditional pub fare such as crusty cobs, pork pies, sausage rolls and scotch eggs. The pub has Sky sports TV, a dart board and various pub games. Charlotte said: “The idea is for people to come and go between the two pubs and really make a night out in Birstall.

“There are only 150 steps between the two iconic sets of steps, so it’s a perfect arrangement if you like a change of scene or variety to your evening.”

The Old Plow Inn is the oldest pub in Birstall and until 1811 brewed its own ales. Theirs was taken to the alley to serve refreshments to workers building the canal in the 1790s. That outpost later became the White Horse.

Both The White Horse and The Old Plow were owned by The Streton Derby Ales Company in the past and are now both back under the same ownership, now run by the Chocolate Dogs Company.

The Old Plow will open from noon to 11pm Wednesday to Saturday and from noon to 10.30pm on Sundays.