WORRIED REGULARS at a hideaway Springhead pub thought the days were numbered for their “secret garden” when a new landlord arrived…
A team of workmen began to prune the ivy outside The Spinners Arms and locals feared the robust, dark green strands of ivy INSIDE the cosy main lounge would also get the chop.
But Dominic Henshaw and his wife Sharon, the new tenants at the pub in Woodbrook Avenue, have guaranteed the ivy will continue to flourish and run more than eight feet along the pub’s interior wall.
Dominic, father of two, said: “When we first moved in, we actually thought the ivy was ornamental. It was only when we looked more closely we realised it was the real thing – and thriving.
“It is a unique feature and we’ll certainly keep it. It doesn’t need any maintenance and just seems to have taken on life of its own in the corner of the lounge.”
Sharon, who works for an insurance company, added: “The ivy is very decorative and fits in very well with the existing lounge decor.
“I believe, in the past, locals put baubles and tinsel on its leaves to make it a Christmas feature and added colourful, miniature eggs at Easter.
“I am sure we could come up with some novel ideas for Halloween. But, as it is, it is definitely staying.”
Pub regular Robert Marshall, a local businessman, said: “With the ivy growing on the inside it lends an almost tropical feeling to the pub and brightens up the wettest of days.
“It’s nice sitting under the bright green foliage,” he quipped.
And local builder, Mick Woodcock of Woodbrook Construction, said: “The ivy has become part of the pub’s furniture. We’re all delightful it is staying. It’s a real talking point.”
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