Three Horseshoes landlord’s pledge over longer licence: “We won’t ride roughshod over neighbours”

The Three Horseshoes’ application to open earlier was approved by a Rotherham Borough Council licensing sub-committee.

And the pub, on Bawtry Road, also filed a retrospective planning application for an outside bar to enhance the beer garden.

General manager John Slide said the 7am start would allow the venue to offer breakfasts as already offered by others nearby.

He added: “We didn’t open until 10am and we had the Masons and Courtyard opening at 8.30am so we were missing out on that.

“Having the outside bar really just takes the pressure off the inside in summer months.”

The changes at the pub are part of a wider clamour in the village to take advantage of the growing food and drink scene.

“The competition is great,” added Mr Slide. “It drives footfall to the area and, as long as we’re on top of our game, we’ll be fine.

“It’s a brand new management team here and we’re doing all right. We had a one-star rating in November for the kitchen on the Scores on the Doors and last week we went up to five, the top level.”

Wickersley Parish Council had opposed the Stonegate pub’s earlier start. 

A spokesman said: “The opening from 7am could have a negative impact on children going to school if they witness customers leaving under the influence of drink.

“The parish council is also concerned about the external bar as this is likely to lead to more insensitive use of the garden area with associated noise disturbance to residents.”

Mr Slide said the outdoor alterations — completed in February — would not mean more music or events, under the licensing terms.

He added: “The outside entertainment has stopped. There will be no more annoying the neighbours, from their point of view.

“I know they live by a pub, but it’s important for them to be able to sit out and enjoy their gardens too. So it will just be the usual ambient noise and laughter from a pub beer garden.”

Over the road, an application has been filed by Chicken Villas Ltd to convert the former Edward Healy shop into a food and drink outlet, with a studio apartment upstairs.

Meanwhile, a thirst for real ale bars is continuing with a new venue approved for Wath.

Applicant Adrian Harris has been given permission to turn a hairdressers on High Street into a bar and coffee house.