Both Mike and Jo Saveen are the couple behind this venture, keen to stay local to their home, and Thomas A Becket proved to be an ideal location while being far enough away from other micropubs to draw local interest.

The Thomas A Becket Pub and the Fox and Finch are within waving distance from each other, but the clientele will be markedly different, favouring those that prefer to chat without the background distraction of music and the trappings of commercial public houses, but its more complimentary than rivalry.

Work began in 2019 and we were allowed a sneek preview of the now gutted old Tonezone shop to see the work in progress.

It has a spacious feel with the bar tucked away in the back corner and the cold room directly behind. Real Ale is, of course, the centrepiece, and a wide variety of locally brewed beers are planned, along with cider and wine. Bar snacks are on the menu and dogs are very welcome. The toilet will be unisex and disabled friendly.

Neither are new to the trade, Mike comes from the Georgi Fin and Jo from Brooksteed.

The Fox part of the name comes from Jo’s home in Huddersfield, known as the Fox Holes, and the Finch derives from Mike’s interest in finches, which he also shares with Jo.

 Time Line

A little bit extra

2019 - 2023 Mike and Jo Saveen

2020, voted Pub of the Year by CAMRA