Huddersfield hillside pub reopens after 'tough year' - but investor still needed

A Huddersfield pub has reopened following a 'tough year' where it closed due to declining trade and rising bills.

The Rose and Crown at Cop Hill, Slaithwaite, announced in January that it was closing until further notice. It reopened from June to September offering 'pop-up' food but then closed again due to staffing shortage at its sister pub, the Scape House Inn at Scapegoat Hill.

Rose and Crown landlord Steve Kerr said it would be reopening on Wednesday, November 13. The pub is expected to be open throughout November and December, apart from Mondays and Tuesdays when it remains closed.

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Steve told Yorkshire Live that he had to close the Rose and Crown to focus on the Scape House which had a staffing shortage. This has now been resolved.

He said: "I wanted to confirm this to our followers on Facebook that I am back behind the bar. It’s definitely been a tough year all round for us and hospitality in general for various reasons and we are still looking for an investor to help develop part of the Rose and Crown so we can downsize the bar and restaurant operation."

Earlier this year Steve revealed that the Rose and Crown needed investment in order to diversify.

The pub has previously earned a reputation for its hospitality, good food and beer, and amazing views across the Colne Valley. The pub is one of the highest in the area, sitting above the village of Slaithwaite at around 1,000ft above sea level.

Planning permission was granted in October 2023 to develop part of the property into seven self catering holiday let apartments. Unfortunately, Steve revealed in January that due to unforeseen circumstances they could not finalise the agreement with the building company, which has meant those plans have had to be postponed until they can find a new buyer or partner.

This week Steve said "we are no further on" from January regarding investment.

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