Farewell to 'billboard' roof that pointed to the past

For decades it has been a familiar sight for drivers travelling along the A6 near Matlock Bath in Derbyshire.

But now the roof of the Homesford Tearooms - famous for its giant lettering pointing to a pub that no longer exists - is about to be consigned to history.

The cafe's manager said they had been left with no choice but to replace the roof due to its poor condition.

Work is already under way but there are plans to re-add giant letters once the work is complete to keep the tradition alive.

Nikky Cooper, who runs the cafe, said: "It's the most famous roof in Derbyshire isn't it? It's got to be.

"It was always like a billboard. It was stables, it was a chicken coop - but it was always a billboard."

The arrow on the sign points across to the Homesford Cottage Inn on the other side of the A6 - but the pub has been closed for more than a decade.

The lettering also refers to Kimberley Ale, which has not been brewed since 2006.

Cooper said since announcing the roof was being replaced on social media, many people had been in touch with memories.

Two women called Kimberley separately got in touch to say they had been named after the lettering.

Others have complained about the roof being changed but Cooper told the BBC the work was needed.

"The roof does need replacing, it's a very old roof. We've got leaks everywhere," she said.

"We're getting to the point where slates are actually falling down off the roof on to the floor.

"It's becoming a hazard to people and we don't really want people sat here having a scone and a cup of tea and getting rained on."

The building's landlord Chris Boyett said the white lettering had been there since the 1950s and he hopes to recruit a sign writer to add more lettering once the work is complete - though he has yet to decide what it should say.

"I would be very upset if we couldn't put writing back on there because I think it means so much to so many people," he said.

"I think everybody in the locality knows this building. Everybody who comes to the Peak District up the A6 also knows the building."

Cafe customer Nicola Draycott, from Swanwick in Derbyshire, said: "It's iconic. Every time you drive past you know exactly where you are.

"It has always been there. It's a landmark and you know you are coming into Matlock Bath."

The work started on Monday and the cafe is due to reopen on 24 September.

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