Flower power at Mirfield pub

A pub in Mirfield has shown that good presentation pays off as its flower-packed beer garden has landed it with the chance of winning a national prize.
The Old Colonial Pub has won the North East heat for Pub in Bloom and is now shortlisted for the national award. Landlord Tim WoodThe Old Colonial Pub has won the North East heat for Pub in Bloom and is now shortlisted for the national award. Landlord Tim Wood
The Old Colonial Pub has won the North East heat for Pub in Bloom and is now shortlisted for the national award. Landlord Tim Wood

The Old Colonial in Dunbottle Lane has already won this year’s Pubs in Bloom award for the North East and will find out in the next few weeks whether it will get the national title - something it picked up last year.

The British Heritage Pubs in Bloom award is presented to the pub with the best overall appearance inside and out.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Landlord Tim Wood said: “The garden is absolutely decked out with plants in every possible pot.

“We try and go that extra mile for everything we do, we have won awards in the past for our beer and food and now for the flowers.”

But the beer garden has not always been so bright and blooming.

When Mr Woood bought the pub 13 years ago, the land was barren.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “The garden has gradually come on and is getting more established bit by bit.

“The bad weather for the past few years has killed off a lot of flowers but the last couple of weeks of sun has had a great effect on the plants and has brought more people in.”

For winning last year’s competition the pub was awarded tickets to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Mr Wood is unsure what this year’s prize is but he says that some unusual flowers would be nice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If he wins he plans on celebrating in the same way as he did last year – with a pint and a pie.

Mr Wood added: “We are very pleased to be part of such a high standard competition that is so uniquely British.”

Related topics: