Steve Dyson, landlord of The New Inn, Selby, honoured with award

Steve Dyson, landlord of The New Inn in Selby, was presented with a dedicated service award by Heineken-owned Star Pubs to celebrate more than 20 years’ service, 12 of which have been spent running the historic pub with his partner Alison and their daughters.

Before entering hospitality, Steve’s life was full of twists and turns. He started out racing bikes and spent several years as part of a travelling stunt show, even appearing on BBC1’s Late Late Breakfast Show.

Former motorbike stuntman Steve Dyson in action in the Kamikaze Stunt Show in 1986 (Image: DAVID HARRISON)

Former motorbike stuntman Steve Dyson in action in the Kamikaze Stunt Show in 1986 (Image: DAVID HARRISON)

From there he went on to run a motorbike shop, followed by a move into property development.

Fate eventually steered him towards pubs when a repossessed property he’d bought in Barnby on Marsh failed to get planning permission for conversion into homes.

A fall from a roof then made him step back and reassess his future. Rather than sell up, he decided to run the pub himself – an unexpected decision that sparked a lifelong love affair with the trade. Bitten by the bug, at one point he built up a portfolio of ten pubs.

Today, he operates both The New Inn in Selby and The New Inn in Barlby, a village pub that was facing closure when his daughters persuaded him to take it on ten years ago.

The New Inn in Selby (Image: Supplied)

Steve said: “I can’t imagine not running a pub.

“I have had very hard and very good times in the pub business.

“Selby has seen 12 pubs close since Covid with five closing since Christmas, so we’re doing something right.

“You can’t have a successful pub without great customers.

“So, thank you to all our regulars for your support over the years and thank you also to Alison and our daughters, without whose help The New Inn wouldn’t be what it is today.

“For those worried about its future, you can rest assured I am here for the duration.

“I have no intention of retiring anytime soon. We’ll be continuing with our karaoke and disco for which we’re renowned.”

Steve Dyson (left) celebrates his achievement (Image: Supplied)

Rachel Greenley, business development manager at Star Pubs, said: “Steve has created the go-to pub in Selby.

“It’s somewhere where people of all ages come in to chat and socialise.

“Although it’s Steve’s dedicated service award, knowing Steve, I am sure it is one he wants to share with Alison and his wider family, and of course his many regulars.

“So, congratulations to Steve and to all on creating a unique thriving institution and preserving Selby’s only independently run pub.”