“ONCE people have discovered us, they come back.”

Chantel Payne is proud to work at the Dusty Miller, a welcoming pub in the village of Hove Edge near Brighouse.

“A couple came in recently and said they had driven past the pub a few times and then decided to stop off.," she said "They told us they were delighted by what they found.”

She adds: “We have a lot of regulars who love the pub and we are seeing new faces every week too. People meet up here for a walk, some with dogs - we are dog-friendly.”

The Halifax Road inn was taken over in 2007 by Rob Wilde, who spearheaded an extensive refurbishment, taking place in 2016.

The work “completely transformed” the pub, bringing a fresh, contemporary look, while retaining character.

Outside, decking and 14 outdoor tables provide areas for al fresco dining when the sun is shining.

“At that time we were among the few businesses around here that could provide outside dining,” says Chantel. “We got a lot of new customers during lockdown - many are still coming, not only from the local area but further afield.”

A varied menu serves traditional favourites including Yorkshire beer battered fish and chips, Yorkshire sausage and mash and pie of the day.

Home-made lasagne, home-made hot and spicy chilli con carne and home-made chicken curry are also popular choices.

Baked spicy bean square pie and vegetable sausages and mash feature among the many vegetarian and vegan options, while gluten-free dishes - including fish and chips - are available.

“We recently introduced a summer menu - new dishes include loaded fries with different toppings, which is going down really well,” says Chantel. “All day brunch is popular and we have a sharing platter which is a big hit.”

Cask ales - which rotate - currently include Timothy Taylor’s multi-award-winning Boltmaker, Moorhouse’s White Witch and Robinsons’ Unicorn.

Draught cocktails are among popular warmer weather choices, along with Inch’s apple cider and a range of lagers.

The pub’s name is a nod to the building’s history: it used to be a flour mill before being turned into three cottages.

“You can see where the chimney breasts were for the three cottages - one of them has been opened up again as a fireplace with a wood-burning stove,” says Chantel.

It been a pub for at least 200 years, many of those being in the hands of the Aspinall family. J Aspinall is listed as landlord in 1822 and 1838, with Hannah Aspinall being recorded as landlady in 1842 and 1853.

A photograph in The Dusty Miller, dated 1903, shows a tram outside, on its way to Brighouse.

Being at the hearty of the community, The Dusty Miller - which employs around 15 staff - has taken part in village charity events such as the local scarecrow festival.

The pub hosts a weekly quiz on a Thursday, from 9pm. “It’s an easy-going quiz, which people enjoy.”

*The Dusty Miller , 290 Halifax Rd, Hove Edge, Brighouse, HD6 2PB

Visit thedusty.pub