Welcome to the August edition of the Otley Pub Club newsletter. And a special welcome to our new subscribers.
Before we get into the usual business, here’s a very important announcement:
Meeting called to discuss a community bid for the Manor House pub in Otley
An open meeting is being held to discuss the possibility of a community bid for the historic Manor House pub in Otley. The meeting, which will be a sociable one, is at Otley Rugby Club on Friday 12th August 7:30pm, is open to anyone interested in assisting a community campaign and bid, assisted by the Otley Pub Club
The Manor House is currently subject to the 6th month moratorium, which was triggered in June, which gives the local community six months to put a bid together to buy the pub.
Current owners, Thwaites, announced they were selling the Manor House on 13th May 2022, which then led to an interim 6 week moratorium period and the full 6 month moratorium was triggered on 24th June which gives the community till 13th Nov 2022 to seek to raise the funds to buy the pub. Thwaites’ tenants David and Eileen Stefan left the pub at the end of July after nine years and the campaign to save the pub has now begun in earnest.
National charity The Plunkett Foundation, who offer advice and support to groups seeking to buy and establish community pubs have already given advice on how to progress and would provide expertise to support a community campaign.
The Manor, which dates back to the 19th Century, is named after Thomas Constable’s impressive grade II listed home. It is an attractive mid-terrace with a real community feel and a reputation for folk music, with sessions and open mic evenings. People take a 3D tour of the pub, thanks to the work of Apollo3D.
So now all those interested in helping Otley get a community owned pub are asked to come along and have a drink and chat on Friday 12th August 7:30pm at Otley Rugby Club. With it being holiday season and knowing many people will be away, those who are interested in supporting the community campaign are asked to email otleycommunitypub@gmail.com
Lisa Herries, one of the people who is interested in organising a bid, said:
“The Manor House is a cherished Otley pub and we believe that there is a real opportunity for a community bid to create Otley’s first community owned pub.
“Towns such as Hebden Bridge and Sowerby Bridge have shown that community owned pubs work really well in towns and fit in really well alongside other pubs, offering something both different and also unique with the community actually owning the pub.
“We hope that anyone interested in being part of a community bid will come along to Otley Rugby Club on Friday 13th August at 7:30pm and we will have a drink and a chat about how we might progress a campaign, with the support of the Plunkett Foundation who assist community pub bids up and down the country.”
Rob Skinner, Chair of Otley Pub Club said:
“The Manor House is an iconic Otley pub, a key part of the Otley pub scene and one that was both successful and popular until the Covid pandemic. Under the right ownership, it can be successful and popular again!
“It makes sense to explore the possibility of a community buy out, as happened with the Black Horse, with that then becoming a very successful Kirkstall Brewery pub. We hope people will attend the meeting on 13th August and we also ask any potential commercial bidders to email us to info@otleypubclub.co.uk if they are interested in buying the pub so we know that. What matters is that the famous Manor House remains as a pub with its unique offer, history and heritage”.
We hope there is a huge turnout, or at least enough email activity to make this Community Bid a realistic solution. It’s your chance to own a part of your local!
Well, we’ve had a fantastic month! The Steam Punk Weekend was by all accounts, a hoot! A little downgraded from the initial intention, but great stuff. Hopefully an annual event for us?
I’m sure nobody would mind me saying that the highlight of the month was the Otley Live 2022. Massive congratulations to the organisers (you know who you are!), the hosts and bar staff at the events, the bands and artists and of course, you, the great Otley and surrounds public for braving the almost appalling weather and getting out and about to support this amazing effort. Surely, along with the Carnival, one of the best events in the Otley calendar? Already looking forward to next year!
Otley Pub Walkers continue their strolls around the area. They’ve set up a WhatsApp group for interested parties. All are welcome, including pets. If you are interested, drop them an email otleypubwalkers@gmail.com
Otley Pub Club also held it’s inaugural Yorkshire Day Treasure Hunt. This family-oriented walking tour of Otley finding clues along the way wasn’t massively supported, probably due to poor weather, holidays etc.
1st Prize of a £50 meal voucher at the Rose & Crown (thanks Steve!) went to The Lucky Horseshoes
2nd Prize of 2 bottles of Prosecco went to The Old Peculiers
3rd Prize of a bottle of wine went to Viks & Jordan
Wooden Spoon to The Johnstons (who are not from Otley and refused to use Google – so well done to them!)
Thanks to all who took part, – hope you had some fun! And massive thanks to Stephen at the Rose & Crown for being so accommodating – cheers mate!
For anyone wanting to still have a go – just for fun now – drop me an email at info@otleypubclub.co.uk or download from our website http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/news-and-events/the-otley-pub-club-yorkshire-day-family-treasure-hunt
This month sees the appearance of many meal deals throughout the town. Look out for your favourites listed below. As usual, if you know of any more that we’ve missed, please let us know.
We’ve got the usual categories this month of Otley Events, Pub News, Pub Events and our “And Finally” piece. Here we go….
OTLEY EVENTS
Music On The Streets of Otley is back!
Every Saturday in August between 12pm-2pm in various town centre locations, you’ll hear Folk, Jazz, singer-songwriters, Latin and Hip-Hop performances and more!
Wander round the shops, have a coffee (or visit a pub! – ed) with friends and hear some wonderful music!
- New Inn Court 12 – 2pm on 6th, 13th & 20th August
- Orchard Gate 12 – 2pm on 6th & 20th August
- Bay Horse Court 12 – 2pm 6th, 13th & 20th August
- Buttercross 12 – 2pm 13th & 27th August
- Woolpack Studios 12 – 2pm AND 2 – 4pm on 27th August
For full details visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/584061463186905?ref=newsfeed
Or, https://woolpackstudios.co.uk/
More brilliance from our good friends at Woolpack Studios – please get along and enjoy the performances!
Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza 2022
Sunday 11th September 10am – 4pm
Always brings plenty of business in Otley. It’s usual site at Knotford Nook, Pool Road, LS21 1EA
Website: www.ovte.co.uk
Email: info@ovte.co.uk
Facebook/Insta/Twitter /ovte96
Otley Folk Club and Festival 2022
The Otley Folk Club meet every Weds evening upstairs in the Black Horse. Singers’ nights run on alternate weeks. All welcome to participate or just listen!
And also, the fantastic Otley Folk Festival is back on the weekend of 16th-18th September. Always a great event for the town. Expect the usual concerts, street entertainment, pub sessions and sing arounds. Watch out on social media for programme of events, acts and venues to be listed shortly.
Otley Victorian Fayre 2022
Yet more great news. The Victorian Fayre returns on Sunday 4th December 2022. Always a great day. Be sure to put the date in your diary!
PUB NEWS
Cross Pipes
Otley’s latest Freehold pub is currently undergoing refurbishment. Watch this space for more news on potential opening date
Manor House
See article above
NEW BAR!
A message from our good friend Marcus @TheCuriousHop
“It’s been a long time coming, so we’re super excited to announce that we’ll soon be opening our collaboration bar with @MajorTomsSocial right here in #Otley! A new venue serving the great beer we love. We can’t wait to see you there. More details soon. #leeds #craftbeer #newbar”
Now, I wonder where it will be? We understand The Curious Hop will remain in New Market Street, so where on earth could it be going……? Interesting that “a casa di alessia” is welcoming Marcus as a neighbour – hmmmm. The plot thickens!
If you’ve not heard of Major Tom’s Social (describes itself as a “Youth Club for Grown Ups”!), check it out next time you’re in Harrogate – it’s great for beer, pizza and music!
https://www.majortomssocial.co.uk/
PUB EVENTS
Bay Horse
New, dominoes night every Wednesday from 7.30pm. Includes a free supper. Watch out for the announcement of a Poker night Mondays – dates and times tbc.
They’ve been doing some great charity work as always – this time for the Hug-on-a-Tray girls. Raffles, hampers etc – great stuff!
Opening hours:
- Mon & Tues: 4pm to 11pm
- Weds & Thurs: Midday to 11pm
- Fri & Sat: Midday to “Late”
- Sun: Midday to 11pm
And don’t forget the Bay Horse Courtyard Bazaar on the last Sunday of the month to coincide with the Farmers’ Market
Black Bull
Karaoke & Disco Nights every Friday and Saturday 8pm til midnight with DJ Fozzie.
Drinks offers ongoing:
House Doubles £3.50 with a “dash”, £4.50 with Premium Mixer
Double up on Premium Spirits for just £1.50 extra
Mon-Fri Happy Hour 3pm to 5pm 50p off selected drinks
Lovely home-cooked food. Kitchen opening hours:
- Tues – Fri = 12 – 3pm
- Sat & Sun = 12 – 5pm
Black Horse
How about Margherita Thursdays? Perfect for the Summer – All day – Margherita (cocktail) and a Margherita (pizza) for £12! Sounds like a plan!
Now offering “All Day Breakfasts” on Saturdays and Sundays (vegan and veggie options available)
Great food menu available here https://blackhorseotley.co.uk/food-and-drink/
And don’t forget the lovely, refurbished rooms
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Thurs: midday to 11pm
- Fri & Sat: midday to 1am
- Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Also, at the BH:
“Fancy trying a new hobby? Intrigued to try Life Drawing? Then come along to the weekly #drinkanddraw at the Black Horse. Every Thursday 7-9pm Entry from 6.30pm. £7 a session. Bring your own materials. All abilities welcome!”
Bowling Green
Family Fun Day Monday 29th August 12-5pm Kids activities, cakes, stalls.
“We are hiring out stalls at our family fun day at a price of £10 each for the afternoon. Would suit community organisations, charities, anything aimed at parents/children. Please get in touch if you would like to book. All proceeds to Clic Young Lives Vs Cancer — at The Bowling Green – Wetherspoons.”
Tel: 01943 858980
Enjoying the new extension? Looking great inside and out. And don’t forget to spend your CAMRA vouchers!
Tuesday Quiz night from 8pm. Bingo, trivia and potential cash prizes.
Cross Pipes (Otley’s newest Freehouse!)
Re-opening soon after re-furbishment.
Fleece
Bar:
- Monday to Saturday 11.30am til 10.30pm (Food – Midday to 8.45pm)
- Sunday 11.30am til 7.30pm (Food – Midday to 6pm)
Steak & Wine Days – all day Weds & Thurs. 2 x rump steak dinner with a bottle of house wine only £30. Saving £16.85
NEW SATURDAY OFFER, any 2 1/2lb beef burgers from the menu and 4 bottles of beer £30. Saving £9.90
FISH N FIZZ FRIDAY OFFER, 2 x fish n chips and a bottle of Prosecco only £30. Saving £12.85 Or, just a bottle of Prosecco? £13.95 all day Friday.
Call to book on 01943 514886
https://www.facebook.com/TheFleeceOtley
Horse and Farrier
Food now on 7 days a week. And don’t forget the fantastic rooms!
Opening Hours:
- Mon to Weds: Midday – 10pm
- Thurs to Sat: Midday – 11pm
- Sunday: Midday – 10:30pm
Food times:
- Weds – Sat: 12-8pm
- Sun:12-6pm
Open Mic night every Thursday at 8pm led by local musician, gig organiser and brewer Paul Briscoe. Everyone is welcome, either to perform or just to sit, drink and listen.
A further message from our good friend Paul Briscoe at the H&F:
“Hi everyone. I can now confirm that going forwards I will be running an open mic on the second SUNDAY of every month from 6pm at The Horse and Farrier in Otley. This will be in addition to my regular Thursday night slots at the pub. The first one will take place this coming Sunday (10th July).
Ordinarily, these will be held in the upstairs function room at the pub to create the more “intimate” atmosphere that some prefer. However, in the summer months, if the weather allows, they may be held in the outside area to the rear of the pub. The weather forecast for this coming Sunday is looking very promising, so our inaugural session may well take place outside!
When the open mic is held upstairs, I have asked that at least some of the tables can be removed to give us more space. This shouldn’t be a problem and there’s no doubt that the room itself is an excellent-sounding performance space.
Please come and join us for what promises to be a special night!”
Junction
Live music continues every Tuesday and Saturday.
Plus, first Sunday afternoon of the month = acoustic sessions from 3pm 6pm
Keep your eyes on their social media as there may be last minute alterations to the booked acts: https://www.facebook.com/thejunctioninnotley
Open from midday to 11pm every day
North Bar
Open from midday every day and closes at 11pm, except for Friday and Saturday (midnight) and Sunday (10pm)
Always a great drinks selection. Watch out for music events at the Woolpack next door plus Street Food vendors regularly setting up.
https://www.facebook.com/NorthBarSocial
Old Cock
Usually post daily on Fbook with changing beer options. Give them a follow: https://www.facebook.com/theoldcockotley/?fref=ts
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
Red Lion
Big screen sports entertainment.
Roebuck
Opening times:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30am – 10:00pm
- Sunday: 11:30am – 8:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/TheRoebuckOtley
Rookery Bar & Venue
Open 4pm each day except Saturday open at Midday
Closes Midnight except Sunday when it’s 10.30pm
Upstairs at The Rookery – Film Club Sunday 21st August – £3 per person per film:
12.30 Sonic the Hedgehog 2(U)
15.00 The Lost City (12A)
18.00 Everything Everywhere All At Once (15)
Dates for your diary – Upstairs at The Rookery:
- 9th September 8pm – 10.30pm. The fantastic Rookery Comey Night returns with Shoecake Comedy making their welcome return from the Edinburgh Fringe.
- 16th September. The amazing Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets) with support by The Silver Reserve
For both of the above follow the Events link from Rookery’s Facebook page for more details/prices/times:
https://www.facebook.com/therookerybar
Rose & Crown
Opening Times:
Every day Midday to 11pm, except closed Monday and close at 10.30pm on a Sunday
Kitchen Hours are Weds to Saturday: Midday to 4pm and then again 5pm to 9pm – the evening meals are proving to be very popular and a great addition to food options generally in Otley.
Sunday Midday til 6pm
Current menu: https://www.facebook.com/theroseandcrownotley/menu
Telephone: 01943 850180
Don’t forget! Bring Your Own Cheese aka BYOC. Every Tuesday from 8pm.
And coming soon – Bingo! Watch this space.
Royalty
Great offer from up t’hill:
School Summer Holiday offers (25th July to 28th September 2022):
- Week 1 – Free drink with kids’ meal
- Week 2 – Free ice cream with kids’ meal
- Week 3 – 20% off all kids’ meals
- Week 4 – 2 for 1 on kids’ meals
- Week 5 – Kids eat for £1 when adults buy main meal
- Week 6 – Kids eat FREE when adults buy a main meal
Also, 2 Meals & A Bottle of Wine – £34.95 All Day, Monday to Friday. Enjoy 2 new choices from our new menu and any bottle of wine.
Yes, a lovely new menu https://the-royalty.co.uk/menus/main-menu/ including extensive new gluten free options https://the-royalty.co.uk/menus/gluten-free-menu/
Opening Times:
- Monday to Saturday: Midday to 9.30pm – food til 8pm
- Sunday: Midday to 7.30pm – food til 6pm
Last bookings 15mins before closing time
Book your table now https://togo.uk.com/makeBookingv2?venueid=890&nv=true
https://www.facebook.com/theroyaltyotley
Also, up at The Royalty, how about The Royalty Road Show?
A family friendly vehicle gathering for like-minded enthusiasts of Commercials, Classics, Motorbikes, Agricultural etc. It’s held the last Wednesday of every month from 6pm.
A message from the team:
“We have been informed the cabin will be open serving hot beef and pork sandwiches along with hot drinks. Burgers will still be available off the pub’s menu inside.”
https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyaltyRoadShow/
And, nowt like getting yer diary filled in….Royalty Bonfire and Fireworks display night is back Saturday 5th November
Shadow Brewing
Other than the Tap Room Talks, regular hours are Fri & Sat 6-10pm
Check out Shadow’s Facebook site for dates and times of the mid-week Taproom Talks
https://www.facebook.com/shadowbrewing
Tap House
Kids eat for £1 – 7 days a week 12-7pm – 23rd July to 9th September (With every adult burger and fries purchased, 2 children can eat for £1 each from the kids’ menu. Eating in only.
Management discretion at all times.
Monday is Burger offer day – burger, fries and a drink for £8.95 Ale Club Midday to 5pm Mon to Thurs. All pints of cask ale are £2.80
Fabulous food and drink offer every Monday from midday to 9:30 pm. Any burger from the Otley Burger Co. with fries and a drink for £8.95.
Quiz Night every Tues at 8.15pm (incl Play your cards right):
1st Place – £50 Otley Burger Co Voucher
2nd Place – £20 Bar Tab
3rd Place – £15 O’Fresh Voucher
Picture Round – £10 O’Deli Voucher
All shots £2.50!!!
New cask ales regularly – check out https://www.facebook.com/theotleytaphouse for what’s on today
Tavern
Opening Times:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 10.30pm (Monday close 7pm)
- Friday to Sunday: 11am to 11.30pm
Wednesday Quiz Night start at 8pm
Karaoke Friday nights and Sunday afternoons
Great drink offers – Happy Hour(s) – Monday all day! Tuesday to Friday 4pm to 7pm – 50p off beers
Free pool Tuesdays – other times 50p per game
Check out events on their Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/theotleytav
Whitakers Arms
Bar Opening Times:
- Monday & Tuesday: 12 – 9pm
- Wednesday: CLOSED
- Thursday: 12 – 9pm
- Friday: 12 – 10pm
- Saturday: 12 – 11pm
- Sunday: 12 – 6pm
Kitchen hours:
- Monday to Friday (Closed Weds): 12:00pm – 4:00pm (Last Orders 3:45pm)
- Saturday: 12:00pm to 3:30pm (Last Orders 3:15pm)
- Sunday: 12:30pm to 3:30pm (Last Orders 3:15pm)
Happy hour(s) – Mon to Fri 4pm to 7pm 50p off selected pints and £1 off bottles of wine – Great stuff!
“Thank Funk It’s Friday” Karaoke & DJ from 8pm every fortnight (e.g. 12th Aug, 26th Aug etc.) with DJ Jack. Keep your eyes peeled to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whitakersotley
Cocktails Now Available Daily Here @ Whitakers – 10 To Choose from at £7 each or 2 for £12!!!
Or….
If you can’t make up your mind, why not take a spin on our Cocktail Wheel for just £5 and let lady luck decide!!!
White Swan
Watch Social Media for regular upcoming live acoustic sessions. https://www.facebook.com/thewhiteswan_otley
All the big screen sports are on!
Open daily Midday to 11pm
Yew Tree
Seniors’ Lunch every Thursday 12 until 2pm – JUST £3.99! Extensive menu. Add a dessert for just £1.50 – also, hot and cold drinks offers! Brilliant stuff!
The Hoot, an on-line news site “A bird’s-eye view of Leeds and surrounding areas” has The Yew Tree in the top 5 “The best places in Leeds to get a carvery Sunday roast” – brilliant stuff again!
https://www.facebook.com/yewtreeotley
The Yew Tree are massive dog lovers, and now have a new ‘doggy carvery’ every Sunday from midday to 4pm. When you eat, your best friend can eat alongside you!!! Just £1.50 per dog for meat scraps, healthy veggies and a little gravy! (All proceeds donated to Moorview Rescue).
All new Quiz Night starts on SUNDAY at the earlier time of 8.30pm. New format, new prizes and free supper! Also, new Eliminator following quiz, with Jackpot builder!
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 4pm – 11.30pm
Thursday: 12pm – 11.30pm
Friday& Saturday: 2pm – 11.30pm
Sunday: 12pm – 11.30pm
But here’s a recurring plea to all the landlords in town – please drop us a line to info@otleypubclub.co.uk if there’s something you want us to put in the newsletter! Although we try to share all your social media posts, we don’t sit reading Facebook and Twitter all day every day and scanning them all every month when we’re producing the news for our 700 readers takes hours. Worse than that, some of the media – even on websites – might be out of date, but we have no real way of knowing, so we might be giving out completely wrong information!
Also please note that the offers and prices are correct to the best of our knowledge. Please check with the venue whilst ordering. OPC cannot be responsible for any discrepancies.
AND FINALLY….
A massive THANK YOU!!! Otley Pub Club’s JustGiving campaign was launched in July and we are delighted by the donations we’ve received so far – from far and wide!! All of the contributions have provided valuable funds for us as we continue our aim of promoting and protecting Otley’s great pubs and bringing in much needed revenue to all businesses in the town generally. BUT, we haven’t closed the appeal. More funds would allow us to do more promotions.
We understand times are hard, but just the price of small round of drinks would help us tremendously. Every little helps. Thank you in advance.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/otleypubclub?utm_term=pAn9rRjkX
Otley Pub Club meet up in a different pub in Otley on the first Thursday of every month to discuss anything and everything happening in Otley and in it’s pubs, and everybody is welcome to join us. We start at about 7pm to discuss any semi-formal stuff, then finish with that at 8pm and spend the rest of the evening chatting about whatever comes up. We’ll usually visit 3 pubs during the evening
So, if you fancy perhaps seeing the inside of a pub that you’ve never been in; or you’ve got a burning issue about Otley’s pubs that you’ve been dying to share; or maybe if you just fancy a drink and a chat and all your mates are doing something else; check out the times on our Facebook event page for our next meeting and you can join us at any time in any of the pubs along the way.
We’ll be in these pubs and at least one of us will be wearing something black with an obvious Otley Pub Club logo on it so we’re recognisable!
Next Pub Club Social: Thursday 1st September 2022. Venues and times will be posted on our Social Media nearer the time. Watch out for the Facebook event
Well folks, that’s it for this month. Please remember, if you want to get in touch email to info@otleypubclub.co.uk, or why not come along to one of our monthly socials…
Cheers for now. See you all out and about in our #FamousPubTown
The OPC Committee
www.otleypubclub.co.uk
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