Landlord calls last orders at Stansfield Compasses pub to focus on micro-brewery venture

A pub landlord has called his last orders, following plans to launch a new business venture in the village.

For four years, Tony Hook has been running Stansfield Compasses with the support of dedicated villagers.

The 59-year-old, who has previous experience of brewing beer, hopes to open a micro-brewery at a former mill in the village, which is a Grade II-listed building.

“It’s quite exciting to be going to another business,” said Mr Hook, who hopes to supply alcoholic beverages to various pubs in the area, alongside a catering service specialising in beer-inspired dishes.

With the lease coming up for renewal, both Mr Hook and the owner felt it was the right decision to go their separate ways.

“The owners wanted to take the pub in a different direction,” he said.

Having produced beer at a previous business, Mr Hook has mastered the craft of brewing.

“I stopped brewing 10 years ago, but I used to brew beer at my family pub in Cambridgeshire,” he said.

Mr Hook has previously run a pop-up restaurant offering five course-meals with beer inspired dishes.

With the increasing decline of local pubs, Mr Hook highlighted the level of commitment involved.

“It’s a very difficult thing to do, but it’s always been an interesting challenge,” he said.

Mr Hook praised the community’s support over the years.

“There are some fantastic customers – I have met lots of friends and they have been very loyal,” he said, adding that it was crucial that they continued to support the site’s future tenants.