Phil’s farewell to pub spectre

Photo: Ken Bennett

LAST pint . . . landlord Phil Whitehead raises a glass to the spirit that roams The Farrars Arms

A SADDLEWORTH landlord is leaving more than his beer behind after pulling his last pint at an ancient inn — he’s saying goodbye to the pub spirit.

Phil Whiteman has handed over his licence after 22 years at the Farrars Arms Grasscroft to concentrate on his other business, The Old Bell Inn at Delph.

But before leaving the landmark watering hole, Phil revealed that one “regular” has shadowed him throughout his years at the tavern — the ghost of a woman housekeeper.

Sarah Bottomley, who worked at the pub, had a tragic life and died in mysterious circumstances in the 1800s.

Phi explained: “There is a real mystery surrounding Sarah’s death. No one is sure if she fell or was actually pushed down a flight of stairs in the pub.

“Although I’ve never actually seen her myself, you know that’s she’s on the premises. You just get a feeling she is about the place.

“Over the years, lights have been mysteriously switched off and Sarah’s always played pranks on the staff.

“She is more mischievous than anything else. I have never been frightened by her. In many ways, I’ll actually miss her being around.”

Phil bought The Old Bell Inn, which has a distinguished heritage as a former coaching house on the main Manchester to Leeds route, eight years ago.

Since then he has successfully built up both businesses but now wants to concentrate on the Delph hostelry.

He was the 23rd innkeeper at The Farrars Arms, which first opened for business as a pub in 1701.

Over the years, the colourful inn at one time housed a mortuary and inquests were held in the oak-beamed premises.

There has been as building on the site since the 1200s and it was the seat of the Lord of the Manor of Saddleworth from 1654.

Phil added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Farrars. It’s the end of an era for me and I’d like to thank all the people who have used the pub and gone on to become my friends over the years.

“Sarah has been playing a few tricks lately — it is as if she knows I’m moving on. Who knows perhaps she’ll turn up at The Old Bell?”

The Farrars has been taken over by Melanie Lord, the former chef, and Karen Broadbent, who have both worked at the pub for a number of years.