ATLANTIK INNS GROUP LIMITED

On Thursday 7th August 1828, the inn was advertised for sale by auction, with stables, coach house, barn, cow house, garden, yard and 22 acres of land listed. The river Noe ran through the estate accompanied by 3 dwelling houses, a joiners shop and a blacksmiths all adjoining the hall.  

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The inn once again went up for auction in July 1834 & August 1842. In October 1835, four young men were committed to Derby Gaol for stealing a silk handkerchief belonging belonging to innkeeper Charles Jackson (1832-1841). They were found guilty and imprisoned to one month each with hard labour. 

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George Bocking (1843-1852)

In 1843, George Bocking took over the hall and immediately reinstated the adjacent market which had lapsed due to an outbreak of foot and mouth. In 1846, he began a stage coach "The Royal Hope", which ran from here at 7AM to Sheffield, which then called at the Cutlers Arms, Inn, and the King's Head three days a week. In September of that year, the ostler named Beckett, died attempting to drink two quarts of ale at one draught, whilst celebrating a local wedding. 

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As well as an innkeeper & coach proprietor, George Bocking also farmed 70 acres of land, helped by his wife Charlotte and their two daughters Elisabeth and Maryanne and his father in law, Joseph Hobson, who was an Assistant Innkeeper. They also had 3 servants in their employment. The Old Hall Hotel has had a long history of community involvement. When the Oddfellows were established in 1845 their constitution set out that they should meet "at the house of Brother George Bocking".

George Wilson took over in 1857, farming 27 acres. 

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Robert Bingham (1873-1888)

In 1863, Hope Agricultural Show was founded here and held their shows in a large field belonging to the Inn when it was also a farm to be followed by a dinner. Show Judge and Exhibitor of prize cattle, Robert Bingham took over the Cross Daggers in 1873, and had it officially renamed Old Hall Hotel on September 14th 1876.

He was also a butcher and farmer of an impressive 120 acres!

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Matthew Robinson (1888-1892)

The Old Hall was bought by Truswell's Brewery Co. of Sheffield in 1888. Thousands attended the Hope Show in 1894, with the recent opening of the railway. Amongst those in attendance were were the Duke of Devonshire and the Duke & Duchess of Rutland. 

An advert of the same year read "Matthew Robinson wishes all his old Sheffield friends to give him a call at The Old Hall Hotel"

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John "Jolly Jack" Jones (1955-1976)

Affectionately remembered by many locals as a "quiet, jovial character", Jack Jones ran Old Hall for 21 years. His wife, Rose had a signature look of jet black hair and red lipstick. During Jack Jones' reign as landlord here, you would find Ken Outram, who was a well known blind organist in Hope, playing the piano and organ for customers. Another well known local was Tony Singleton, who would serve "ham butties from a large joint with lots of different pickles".

Jack Jones went onto run Dore More Inn in 1976. a few years earlier, Tony Singleton had opened The House of Anton, taking most of Jack's staff with him. Jolly Jack handled this in his usual fun way, and from that moment on referred to his new competition as "The Poachers". Upon Tony's retirement, the name stuck, and House of Anton became The Poachers Arms.

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Later Years

The inn was acquired by Hope & Anchor Ltd in 1955, Bass Charrington in 1974 and in 1992 by Martin & Jillian Murphy.

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As of 2010, Rick Ellison (2010-Present) proudly holds the title of landlord, offering fine ale, homemade food and accommodation, inn-keeping with tradition.