The Old Hill Inn, Chapel-le-Dale

I was almost persuaded to buy this pub by a certain Alan Greenbank, back in 1984. Instead, he gave me the keys to a former Railwayman's cottage in Selside (a few doors from Mike Harding), which he had recently renovated with new range, inside toilet, floorboards, doors anf windows. All he was asking was �20,000!
I could have the pub for �340,000.
"Where do I get that sort of money from?", I asked Alan. His jack russell -Jake, keeping a watchful eye on me.
"You get a brewery like Scottish & Newcastle to buy it. Then, you manage it on their behalf. You'll make money on the accommodation, meals and soft drinks, you make 'owt on the beer and, I've put a parking meter in the car park for walkers and campers".
I went to his wedding in the late 80's in Settle and, the last I knew of Alan was that he'd sold the pub, bought an american camper and was living on a camp-site in Ingleton. I doubt if this great character is still with us.

27 May 2010 16:00