‘Two pints and that piece of sculpture over there, please’

The well-loved country pub at the heart of the picturesque Pennine village has become a community hub for the work of local artists, with paintings, sculptures and ceramics displayed around its dining room and bar, and in the garden.

“I feel passionate about giving artists a place to display their work,” says chef/proprietor Tim Bilton, who trained under the legendary Raymond Blanc.

“With cuts to rural arts funding there are fewer and fewer places for artists to showcase their work and, just as we support local food producers here, it’s great to be involved with the community in this way and support other local people.”

Local potter Sue Jenkins, who has a small studio in Holmfirth, has made stoneware sheep and farmyard animals for the pub interior and garden.

Even Tim’s old saucepans have been put to good use as art installations.

Holmfirth sculptor Mick Kirby-Geddes – also known as Metal Mickey because of the way he sculpts out of scrap metal – has used The Butchers’ discarded pots and pans in art projects at local schools. And he’s created several turtles and fish out of other everyday metal objects for the decked area of the beer garden.

“Having my work displayed at The Butchers provides the pub with a constantly changing art display; artists like me with a venue and sales outlet; and customers with the opportunity to buy unique artworks. Everyone wins!” says Mick.

And the pub’s artwork has also got the nod of approval from Peter Murray, director or the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, who dines at The Butchers Arms every week.

“Sourcing local products and art and craft from the region add to the special ambience of The Butchers Arms,” he said. “This contributes to the local culture, making the pub a very special place to visit.”

Tim realised a life-long dream when he took over the Butchers Arms in 2008.

At that time it was a rundown pub in need of a great deal of tender loving care.

In a relatively short time Tim has turned the grade two listed Butchers Arms into a vibrant and award-winning dining pub, with a menu bursting with produce that’s Yorkshire-grown and made.

He has a policy of only using ingredients from within a 75 miles radius. Even Tim’s neighbours leave trugs of gooseberries and herbs at the kitchen door.

Last year he took part in BBC2’s Great British Menu, representing the North East along with two other top chefs. Tim was runner up against Michelin-stared chef Kenny Atkinson .

“I have to say, it was a pretty close run thing,” says Tim.

“The judges loved my venison dish – they all voted for it, so I think it proves that I can stand proudly among some of the best chefs in the country with my head held high.”

Just before Christmas Tim opened TB’s Pantry, a shop and deli with the pub selling basic essentials such as good quality bread, milk, eggs, fruit and vegetables, plus a range of local Yorkshire specialities including Yorkshire Tea and Tea Loaf.

Tim has also been foraging for autumn fruits and berries in the fields and hedgerows around the village to produce his own special selection of jams, chutneys, pickles and infused oils.

www.thebutchersarms hepworth.co.uk.

For more details about Mick Kirby-Geddes’ work, visit www.mkg.me.uk

For more details about Sue Jenkins’ work, visit www.hand-built-pottery.co.uk