27/09/2026
An Ode to The Tin Hat
And now, the end is near,
And so we face the final curtain…
Nearly seven years.
Seven years of laughter, tears, chaos, celebrations, friendships, hard work and memories that will stay with us forever.
To every member of staff who has been part of our Tin Hat family — thank you.
Through good days, bad days, busy days, quiet days and, of course, COVID, you were there. You worked, laughed, cried, pulled together and somehow kept the place going.
And then there was Leigh Lovett…
An outstanding performance that we still talk about to this day.
We honestly still don't know how you managed to get across the pub so bloody quickly to save Jo from that fist!
Some moments simply become part of Tin Hat folklore.
Then there were the regulars we inherited, and all the new faces who walked through the door…
Some came for a pint.
Some came for the food.
Some came for the football, pool, karaoke or just a chat.
And so many stayed.
Some became familiar faces.
Some became friends.
And some became family.
We've also had to say goodbye to people who will always have a place in the story of The Tin Hat.
Nick Purdy.
Dave Watkins.
Joe Fish.
Mark Wilson.
Jo Rowley.
And our Jo — Josie Parsons.
People who were part of this place, part of our lives and part of so many memories.
You will never be forgotten.
Over the years, lifelong friendships have been forged within these walls — friendships that started over a drink, a game of pool, a meal or simply standing at the bar having a chat.
We've had pool competitions, fundraisers and fireworks nights, with a huge helping hand from our resident pool shark and resident pyrotechnician…
Mr Jan Snape.
Whether it was sinking impossible pool shots or making the sky light up, Jan was always there!
Then came the fundays, coffee mornings, cakes and sweets, with our resident supplier of staff treats…
Mr Dave Brookes.
There was never a shortage of sugar when Dave was around!
We had the car show — which was fantastic…
Although perhaps not quite as fantastic for the neighbours!
Sorry!
A special mention to Jack Snape and Callum Jones for that one.
We've had live entertainment, discos and karaoke nights.
We've danced.
We've sung.
We've probably witnessed a few performances that should never be repeated…
And some acts became firm favourites.
Stone Meadow.
Sound Lab One.
Steve Faulkner.
Thank you for filling the pub with music, laughter and memories.
And then there was Breakfast and Lunch with Santa…
And what a Santa we had!
A huge thank you to Mr Paul Hancocks, who embraced the role and gave so many children memories they will treasure.
We've celebrated Christmases, birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, weddings, wakes, retirements and countless special occasions.
We've shared special meals, Sunday lunches, Christmas dinners, celebrations and everything in between.
We've watched people meet, fall in love, celebrate milestones, raise money for fantastic causes, remember those we've lost and simply enjoy being together.
And that's what The Tin Hat has always been about.
People.
The people behind the bar.
The people in the kitchen.
The people who cleaned, served, cooked, poured, entertained and kept everything moving.
And most importantly…
You.
Our customers.
Our regulars.
Our friends.
Our Tin Hat family.
Nearly seven years is a long time.
We've watched children grow up.
We've watched friendships begin.
We've shared laughter and tears.
We've had arguments and made up.
We've celebrated victories and commiserated defeats.
We've had nights we'll never forget…
And probably a few we'd rather not remember!
But when we look back, it isn't the problems we will remember.
It won't be the long hours.
It won't be the stressful days.
It won't be the things that went wrong.
We'll remember you.
The faces.
The laughter.
The stories.
The hugs.
The celebrations.
The ridiculous moments.
The memories.
And although this may be the end of The Tin Hat as we know it, the memories we've made together don't end here.
One thing we know for sure is that we will miss you all so very, very much.
So, from the absolute bottom of our hearts…
Thank you.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your laughter.
Thank you for giving us nearly seven incredible years.
Thank you for walking through those doors and becoming part of our story.
The Tin Hat was never just a pub to us.
It was a place where people came together.
And because of every single one of you, it became something much, much more than that.
So here's to The Tin Hat.
To the staff.
To the regulars.
To the newcomers.
To those we've loved and lost.
To the friendships that will last a lifetime.
To the memories that can never be taken away.
And finally…
To all of you — thank you for making The Tin Hat what it was.
It's been one hell of a journey.
We regret a few things…
But we wouldn't change the memories for the world.
With all our love and gratitude,
Tom, Jo & The Tin Hat Team ❤️
Cheers to nearly seven incredible years.
The Tin Hat — 2020–2026
The b**r may stop flowing for us, but the memories never will.
