ONE of Huddersfield’s best-known watering holes is in a state of flux after the retirement of licensees Bob and Sue Kendal.
The Dusty Miller Inn on Gilead Road, Longwood, which is more than 100 years old, closed briefly before Christmas as their eight-year-long stewardship came to a close.
But Ivan Smith, 51, of nearby hostelry The Field Head, Quarmby, came to the rescue and agreed to split his staff and help out in the interim as he didn’t want to see it closed over Christmas.
But a long term deal between him and Punch Taverns may fall through unless differences as to how much money needs spending on refurbishment can be reconciled.
Derick Cooper, a Punch development manager, said £100,000 had been signed off in principle for refurbishment but Mr Smith, originally from Ipswich, told the Examiner he feared the amount needed would be considerably more in order to do “a proper job.”
He said: “When we refurbished the Field Head three years ago £160,000 was spent on that and it needed rewiring.
“The Dusty is run down and has not had anything much spent on it over the last 10 years.
“The exterior and interior of the pub needs attention. I am having a meeting with Punch on January 17 and I have said to them I will keep it open for the time being.
“It’s a good real ale pub with a strong clientele.”
Mr Cooper said: “It needs new carpets, a lick of paint, improvements to the seating and the pool room needs attention.
“We have approved a full refurbishment programme of £100,000 in principle but we need new people signed up first.
“Ivan is managing it at the moment and he is our first choice as he has a very good record with us but we also have a couple of people who have shown interest and anyone can call our hotline.
“The Dusty Miller has got a really good following.”
