After two years of closure the pub reopened in March 2020 managed by a new landlord who formerly ran the Fleece across the road. Open seven days a week the pub offers home-cooked food using locally-sourced ingredients. The 17th century pub is famous world-wide as once being the home of George 'Tornado' Smith, the famous Wall of Death motorbike rider, who thrilled crowds around the world with his daredevil act – often with his pet lion on the handlebars. The building originally dates from the 16th century. A substantial Victorian brewery was also once located on the same site in the late 19th cent.