THEY left the pub more than seven years ago but say they can’t wait to meet all those regulars they left behind.

John and Barbara Drummond were the much-loved landlords of the Dusty Miller between 2001 and 2005 and returned at the weekend.

Click below to see our nostalgic Huddersfield pub gallery.

Related content

The Longwood pub, which is more than 100 years old, has had a topsy-turvy time over the past few months with a succession of short-term ‘caretaker’ landlords following the retirement of licensees Bob and Sue Kendal before Christmas.

None of these arrangements resulted in a full-time commitment and John and Barbara, who had previously expressed an interest when the pub was shut over Christmas, finally agreed to step in.

On Thursday, the necessary paperwork on a five-year tenancy was completed and on Friday evening the beer started running through the Dusty’s taps again.

Derick Cooper of Punch Taverns said: “John and Barbara have already had several text messages welcoming them back.

“And over the next few weeks we will be investing around £160,000 in the pub.”

John, a youthful 61, who is originally from Loch Lomond, Scotland, said he was looking forward to being back behind the bar with the many regulars and friends.

“Several people have said ‘thank God’ you are coming back which was nice,” he said. “I have not really worked that much since I left here – I was semi-retired. I left originally because I was burned out, but to be honest I got bored!

“We have been living in Oldham, but we will be moving into the pub.

“When I walked back in it was like a time warp – no-one has spent a penny.”

The money will be spent on renovating the ladies’ loos, further work on the gents, ripping out the optic arrangements, much-need painting, new carpets and tiles in front of the bar area.

“To do this the pub will have to shut for seven to 10 days, probably some time in April or early May.”

John has been in the licensed trade for 18 years and previously ran The Victoria and Farmers Arms in Holmfirth.