Tiger's Head campaigners claim victory for Norley community

The back bar at the Tiger’s Head had been a home-from-home for local farm workers for as long as anyone could remember until December 2023. 

This ended when a row erupted between its then new managers and a group of regulars, over what was described at the time as ‘unacceptable behaviour’.

One regular, Michael Woodward, said at least 11 people were barred, and the taproom was permanently closed.

He claimed the managers were planning to turn the taproom into an Italian restaurant, and no longer wanted their custom.

Michael, who was not barred himself, said: "The farmers were set up to fail. 

“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."

A petition to reinstate the taproom was launched on December 18, 2023, which garnered 326 signatures and prompted a boycott of the pub by scores of previously loyal customers, according to Michael.

However, after running the pub for just nine months, the landlords have now given up the lease, closing the doors after August bank holiday weekend.

The taproom is has now reopened under new management, and everyone's welcome, according to campaigner, Michael Woodward (Image: Newsquest)

It’s new licensee, Tracy Horth, has reopened the taproom, and everyone is welcome once again, which Michael says is ‘a win for the community’.

“Victory! Order has been restored,” added Michael, who lives in nearby Crowton.

“But it divided the community in all honesty. Around 80 or 90 regulars said, ‘well if it’s not good enough for farmers, it’s not good enough for us’.

“But some people still went in, which created real divisions. Those who still went in then accused the boycotters of putting the pub’s future in jeopardy. It’s been incredibly sad.

“The new landlady’s first act was to get rid of the Italian restaurant and reinstate the taproom, and now everybody’s welcome again.  

“But it’s going to take a long time to get back to normal. Divisions need to be healed.

“I would encourage anyone who isn’t going into the Tiger’s Head at the moment to set aside their differences and put the new landlady first.

“She needs our support, just as we need the pub. It’s a hard business to be in at the moment."

At the peak of the trouble over the taproom, the previous landlord 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.”

Michael added: “At the end of the day, you can’t ride roughshod over a whole community in the way the previous managers did. People just won’t stand for it.

"It just goes to show, community action can have a real impact.

"Personally, I’m proud of those who stood up for what's right.

"They can turn round and say, ‘I did my bit’."