The Windmill’s history dates back to 1794, a time when George III still ruled with a steady hand and Horatio Nelson was rising through the ranks of the Royal Navy, destined to make his mark at the Battles of the Nile and Trafalgar. Built to serve both the growing traffic along the newly opened sections of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal and the farmers delivering grain to the neighbouring windmill, it quickly became a gathering place for locals seeking warmth, conversation, and a well-poured ale by the fire—a tradition that endures to this day.
With its sturdy walls and timeless character, The Windmill has stood witness to centuries of change, from the rise and fall of industries to the shifting rhythms of village life. Once a stopping point for weary travellers and hardworking farmhands, it has evolved into a beloved destination for those in search of good company, honest food, and a sense of belonging. While patrons may now arrive by car rather than on horseback—or, sticking to tradition, by foot—the essence of The Windmill remains unchanged. Now part of the Mikhail Group family, The Windmill continues to uphold the values of a true country pub with laughter, the clink of glasses, and the welcoming glow of the hearth, here’s to another two centuries.
