New landlords have stepped up to the mark to transform their beloved local alehouse in Failsworth into a 'community pub' with a makeover, big plans and plenty of 'bonkers' tricks up their sleeves to make it all happen.
In March this year, 66-year-old Simon and 60-year-old Sandra De-Wynter White moved into The Houghton Arms on Oldham Road with a vision to transform the large public house into a "community pub" - where the input of residents and giving back to the community is at the heart of everything they do.
The retired married couple jumped at the chance to take over the premises after the pub's previous landlord of 11 years retired from the trade.
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The pair were already regulars and familiar faces in the pub, particularly as Simon had also worked holiday relief for around six years, so as soon as the position was open, they said they "absolutely" wanted it.
While Simon, an ex-army veteran and former insurance worker, said it took a while to "sink in", the pair have well and truly settled into their new chapter and have already made a mark on residents for their efforts.
Simon said: "It's brilliant, we have a brand new start here and as a regular, we know all the locals and they know us.
"Just instead of covering for a two-week holiday, we'll be here for the next five years.
"We just took a leap of faith - but pub life is better than ever. We're living the dream."
Sandra also said she's "loving it" and is settling in well, adding her favourite thing is "just seeing everyone enjoy themselves".
The Houghton Arms' makeover has already begun, with the building enjoying a "fresh" new look and lick of paint while more works have been scheduled to upgrade the bar this week.
The landlords were keen to stress that they're only adding their own "personal tweaks" to the place, adding: "We're not trying to reinvent the wheel - just doing some little changes".
Simon added: "Customers said they realise now it's our pub and they like the changes so far."
The feedback has been so positive that the pub's 'reputation score' has soared, with reviews increasing from 631 to 900 in just four short months.
The brewery, Marston's Pubs, gave a "massive shout-out" to Sandra and Simon for their efforts and for smashing "the 900 barrier" - the certificate of which is also proudly on display.
Reacting to the recognition, Simon said: "It was brilliant when we were told and we just achieved it quietly. People are noticing us.
"Who is next to join the top ranks of reputation?"
Simon has also been crowned the area's 'cask mentor' for Marston's Pubs and has been working closely with another top alehouse, New Moston Inn, which residents dubbed a real "hidden gem".
Talking about cask, The Houghton Arms serves up Marston's Pedigree and has a surprise "guest" on tap every month which customers vote for in a poll.
A loyalty card scheme has also proved popular with customers who can accumulate eight pints before claiming their ninth for free.
While The Houghton Arms boasts a large beer garden with plenty of places to sit, Simon said the inside is "like a tardis" with several large rooms and different pockets of entertainment for customers to enjoy.
There are four large-screen TVs showing Sky and TNT, which can be split to show a variety of sports, and various other miscellaneous in-house games, from sweepstakes to 'guess the meaning behind the number' on a blackboard.
Simon said the mystery game is top secret but is "nonsense", inviting customers to take a lucky guess at the cost of 20p into the charity box.
The pub's mascot, Henry Houghton, can also be spotted about the place in unusual hiding spots - and has been "on tour" with customers to Mallorca, Tenerife and Turkey.
Meanwhile, Sandra likes to tweak posters around the pub, putting them upside down or slightly wonky.
The premises is traditionally a darts-playing pub, with a brimming trophy cabinet to prove it, but the pair hope to extend this even further as they are currently recruiting a new pool team.
However, Sandra says they hope to expand beyond "just a sports pub" into one that is more community-driven, to this end allowing children and dogs in and serving up tea, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks.
Giving back to charity and supporting veterans and emergency service workers is another particular passion for the pub.
Simon, who worked in the army for three decades in the medical and intelligence sectors, said he would love the pub to become a "regimental reunion" spot with a veterans and blue light Saturday morning meet-up, which he's called The Houghton Heroes, where they will serve up a bacon butty, brew and "a natter" for free for those who have served or who are on the frontlines.
Other entertainment includes a jukebox, karaoke nights, live artists and DJs performing twice a month, plus a traditional pen and paper Monday night quiz where the winner bags a free round and losers take home a pity prize of sweets.
There is also a separate back room, with a mini library, and another private room upstairs room that is being transformed into a meeting room.
The couple have even bigger plans for next year and teased everything from festivals to Christmas markets to a visit from a psychic - so watch this space.
In October, Simon is also planning a 15,000-foot parachute jump to raise money for Greater Manchester blood bikes where he has volunteered, raised money for and has even painted one fingernail blue "so people ask me about it".
He also wants to do a sponsored walk from Fleetwood to Hull, covering 127 miles in three days.
He said: "I'm bonkers but raising money for charity means a lot, it keeps the community strong.
"Luckily I've never needed to rely on blood bikes, but I am lucky to be able to give up my time to help.
"If you can make a difference and make someone's day by doing something daft, why not?
"Our next plans are soon to be revealed - I've just not dreamt it yet."
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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