Squirrel pub Dinnington: Why plans to reopen landmark Rotherham pub after nearly four years have been delayed

A businessman who plans to re-open a landmark pub in a former South Yorkshire mining town has explained delays in his project.

But Mandeep Khela, known as Jaz, who is behind the plans to bring back The Squirrel, in Dinnington, says he remains passionate about the scheme and still hopes it will re-open later this year.

When Jaz took over the venue, it is understood it had been closed around three years, and plans were at one stage in the pipeline to build a supermarket in the pub's car park, under a scheme which was submitted to Rotherham Council.

But it was then bought up by local businessman Jaz, who plans to re-open as a community pub and has ditched the proposals for a supermarket.

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He took over the site on Laughton Road, Dinnington, in the summer of 2023.

He told The Star this week that the project had required more work on the building than he had originally expected, and he had to completely rebuild the ceiling of the pub’s lower floor, creating a new metal framed ceiling.

Jaz, who is from South Yorkshire and grew up in Maltby, said: “It’s all still going ahead, as promised. But it’s been top to bottom with new floors and ceilings being done.

“So it’s been a very big job. But it’s still happening and we’re still working to finish it off. In my head, I’m now hoping to be able to open it in September. The project’s still fully underway, but it’s delayed. I’m just as excited about it as the residents who ask me what’s happening when they see me.”

He added a deal was being arranged with a brewery, but said the pub would not be tied to one specific brewer.

Progress can also now be seen with windows now in place instead of metal shutters. and a flat on the site is now occupied.

Jaz said he hopes that as it will be an independent pub, it will have competitive prices. And he also wants to create a children's play area, and bring back pool tables. Plans also include offering live entertainment, a function room and a beer garden. The car park will remain.

After it has re-opened, he wants to look at a phase two plan, with an extension above the function room to serve as a conference facility.