Tiger's Head in Norley 'taproom' closure sparks petition

Michael Woodward, a former regular at the Tiger’s Head, is petitioning on Change.org to have the taproom reopened, and has so far collected 25 signatures.  

The Crowton resident says 11 of the taproom’s regulars have also been barred in the wake of the closure, leading to claims the pub’s management is hostile to the farming community.

Landlord, Leigh Capon, who also runs the Carriers Inn in Hatchmere with his partner Joanne Dewar, says the claims are ‘factually inaccurate’, adding several individuals were barred due to 'unacceptable behaviour'.

The couple took over running the pub in December 2023. 

But Michael says the farmers were ‘set up to fail’ when the taproom was closed ahead of plans to turn it into a restaurant.

Tiger's Head managers Leigh Capon (left) and Joanne Dewar (Image: Joanne Dewar)

“They were loyal customers, but they’ve just been thrown under a bus,” he said.

“Their language might be a bit fruity, but that’s why they went in the taproom.

“I’ve got a farm, and I’ve employed some of those lads, and they’re the salt of the earth.

“They’re all local born and bred, and it was their home from home. 

“The management told all the lads who drank in there they could drink in the front bar.

“But they’re coming in, in work-wear, and the management don’t like it.

“The top and bottom of it is, they set them up for a fall, and it’s not fair.”

Michael says the events have ‘upset the whole community’, who feel the needs of the village are being ignored.

He added: “They’re doing what they want with the pub, not what the locals want.

The Tiger's Head in Norley (Image: Newsquest)

“There’s not a pub in the area that doesn’t have a taproom. They wouldn’t survive.

“They’re country pubs, and people come in from working in the field. They’ve done their day’s work and they just want a couple of beers before they go home.

“But these new bosses just don’t seem to want them."

The pub’s managers declined an invitation to comment on the claims. 

Responding to them on Tripadvisor, Leigh Capon said: “Comments about the local farming community being banned are factually incorrect.

“The local farming community is more than welcome at the Tiger’s Head.

“A few individuals have been banned due to the fact their behaviour was not acceptable in our business.

“We have a standard of behaviour that is expected within our pubs for the benefit and welfare of our guests and team members, and if it’s not followed, service will be refused.”