The landlord at a popular pub was met with an unexpected sight after an artist painted a beautiful mural on the outside wall ahead of Remembrance Day. Owners of the Dog and Partridge, Ashton-under-Lyne were shocked after their anonymous 'visitor in the night'.
The painting appears to depict two soldiers, painted in black and white, with one kneeling on the ground holding his ears as the other holds a mortar. The artist also scattered red poppies up the outside wall of the pub in a respectful nod to the military personnel who died in the war.
There was much speculation online about the artist, with many commenting it could be local artist Eggs, dubbed as Tameside's own 'Banksy', who has previously made headlines for his paintings outside buildings in the borough.
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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, landlord Adam Wells, who has only been running the pub for six weeks, said: "It must have been done whilst we were in the pub on Wednesday night. One of the locals mentioned about the painting outside and we hadn't noticed it or seen anything.
"It is a respectful memorial. I didn't mind it, because it isn't just some random graffiti or something like that. It is tasteful and a nice gesture so we don't have a problem with it at all."
The popular pub, on Oldham Road, reopened in September following a major refurb, with landlord Adam now running the business.
"We are doing very well in the community," he added. "We also support the Royal British Legion as much as we can, and are quite pleased this was painted just before Remembrance Day."
Sharing the image of the artwork on Thursday morning, the pub wrote on Facebook: "Looks like we’ve had a visitor in the night but what an excellent tribute to wake up to on the side of our pub! Great addition and just in time for this remembrance Sunday. Lest we forget…"
The picture amassed over 400 likes as many commented to express their love for the artwork, as others complimented the pub for remaining so positive about the unexpected painting. One person wrote: "It looks good! Someone very talented did this!"
Another said: "This is just beautiful" and "Well done to the Dog & Partridge, for taking such a positive view."
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