Welcome to the April edition of the Otley Pub Club newsletter. And a special welcome to our new subscribers.
Wonderful to see the sun shining last week. A lovely change and a chance to get out and enjoy our lovely pubs with their (sometimes new) outdoor facilities. Why not get out and about? You might discover a new favourite!
And then the wind and rain came and we all scurried back inside! Don’t you just love the British weather? Ah well, worse places to be – you could be stuck in a 2 hour queue at LBA or Manchester Airport only to find the flight cancelled! Buses cancelled, trains cancelled, household bills going through the roof – blimey, might as well go down the pub!
OK, enough doom and gloom. Let’s get to the main business and cheer ourselves up!
I guess the main news in town is the re-opening of The Bowling Green – more on which is below.
We’ve got the usual categories of Otley Events, Pub News, Pub Events and our “And Finally” piece. Here we go….
OTLEY EVENTS
Otley Pub Walkers is an informal walking group, formed by people who enjoyed the Otley Pub Club ‘4 pubs walk’ in the 2021 Otley Walking Festival, and thought it would be a good idea to keep pub walking events going all year round!
Otley Pub Walkers don’t charge for any of their events, and they are open to all comers. The Easter Sunday walk will be a very short stroll round the town centre, and they are planning an Easter bonnet competition with Easter-themed prizes for best adult, best child and best pet! All to be judged in the Market Square during the stroll around. Times tbc, so get creative with those bonnets!
You can find out more about this and any of their other events on their social media. https://www.facebook.com/OtleyPubWalkers ; https://twitter.com/otleybootsnbeer ; and https://www.instagram.com/otleypubwalkers/ . Or if you’d like them to let you know directly whenever they’re planning another event, you can contact them at otleypubwalkers@gmail.com
Otley Live 2022
It’s back! A message from the OL2022 team:
“SAVE THE DATE live music lovers! We’ve started planning Otley Live 2022 and so keep 29th-31st July FREE!
We’d love to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for helping to make Otley Live 2021 such a wonderful event. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Watch this space for more music news coming soon x team OL x”
The space they’re talking about watching is their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/otleymusic
It was a fantastic event last year. Give them a follow to keep in touch with acts, venues, times etc.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022
We’re still in the planning stages of exactly how we will celebrate with our awesome pubs – especially with the extra Bank Holiday (Spring Bank Holiday will be moved from Monday May 30 to Thursday June 2, and there will be an extra Bank Holiday on Friday June 3 to make an extra-long weekend). We’re open to ideas! Suggestions welcome to info@otleypubclub.co.uk or come along to one of our socials for a chat – see below for venues and times.
Otley Carnival 18th June 2022 – 40th Anniversary year!
Not long now. Although not directly involved, we at OPC appreciate the benefits this brings to the town by way of increased footfall and obvious knock-on for the town’s retail and hospitality businesses and we are committed to supporting the Carnival by way of advertising and generally spreading the word. The Carnival Committee is formed, and plans are well under way.
Stall holders and artisans are being asked to book your stall now by emailing stalls@otleycarnival.co.uk. To confirm, the date is Saturday 18th June 1pm to 5pm from £25 per stall.
Also, if you want to be involved in the parade email parade@otleycarnival.co.uk
The new committee would like to express their gratitude to the outgoing Committee for all their help and guidance.
However, the new Carnival Committee are in desperate need of funds to keep this free event running. They have set up a Just Giving page to raise the necessary funds. Only a slow take-up at the minute, but we’re sure the wonderful Otley (and surrounding) community will step forward. Just the price of a pint of a coffee will help tremendously. Here’s the link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/otleycarnival?utm_term=xZKBW5M4V
Thank You
Otley Pride 2022
Despite the main event being postponed, there is great news is that the baton has been picked up this year by Tapas & Tunes. They are very proud to announce that they’re organising, running & hosting “OTLEY PRIDE 2022” in conjunction with The Rookery, Otley .. Saturday August 13th 2022
Drag Race, Comedy, Live Music, Djs, tributes & MUCH MUCH MORE !!!
Keep ‘em peeled for details & schedules in the coming weeks
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!
More Dates for your diary:
Otley Show Saturday 21st May 2022 and Otley Walking Festival 25thJune to 3rd July 2022
Check out the walks and remember some walks get very popular and need pre-booking:
www.otleywalkingfestival.co.uk
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.
PUB NEWS
Bowling Green (Wetherspoons) is back open after it’s expansion and refurb. Full story and pictures on our website here: http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/news-and-events/bowling-green-otley-re-opens-after-expansion
Wharfedale Observer in March featured the lovely North Bar Social as it’s “Pub of the Week”. The highlights are of course the beer garden in front of the Woolpack music studios, Street food vendors during the warmer months (!) and free function room hire. Here’s the full article:
https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/19987949.pub-week-popular-otley-pub-sun-trap-beer-garden-stunning-views/
The Rookery Bar & Venue held their first Shoe Cake Comedy Club at the beginning of the month. Speaking from personal experience, it was fantastic. A great venue (full!) and great acts. Funny funny funny. Can’t wait til the next one – see Rookery’s entry below for details
PUB EVENTS
Bay Horse
Despite the scaffolding, business as usual.
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
STOP PRESS! There will be a special Easter Sunday Bazaar including an Eater Egg Hunt (time tbc) in the courtyard, plus a visit from BIG Bunny!
Black Bull
Karaoke & Disco Nights every Friday 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
Black Horse
Now offering “All Day Breakfasts” on Saturdays and Sundays (vegan and veggie options available)
Stable Cinema has returned to the Stables Yard Weds 6th April @ 4pm it’s “Flubber” and Thurs 7th April @ 6pm it’s “James and the Giant Peach”. Free entry. Free Popcorn.
Ilkley-based Bini-Brew Co are doing a Tap Take-Over from the 4th April – hopefully there’s some left by the time you get this!
We want Artists, Vendors and Stall Holders for our “Stables Print & Craft Fair” – includes music and food. Midday to 4pm Saturday 9th April. Contact hello@theblackhorseotley.co.uk
Great food menu available here https://blackhorseotley.co.uk/food-and-drink/
And don’t forget the lovely, refurbished rooms
Big Quiz 1st Weds of the month at 8pm. Max 6 per team. Entry £1 per person. £30 bar tab for winners.
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
As above, now reopened. Bigger and better than before. See our web-page for more details on the expansion: http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/news-and-events/bowling-green-otley-re-opens-after-expansion
Nice video emerged back on You Tube this week. Memories of Bowling Green in let’s say, different times! https://youtu.be/LukVPxvE_7g Good ol’ Trevor!!
Cross Pipes
Great to hear from Ian on Facebook with some drink offers:
Weekend Special
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Pipes:
All single (25ml) spirits & mixers (Coca Cola, lemonade, ginger beer, fresh juices, soda) £2.50
Double up (50ml) +£2.00
Choose from a wonderful range of premium gins, vodkas, whiskeys & rums
*Grey Goose Vodka – single (25ml) £3.50 – double (50ml) £6.50
Fleece
Now open 7 days for food and drink
Bar:
Monday to Saturday 11.30am til 10.30pm (Food – Midday to 8.45pm)
Sunday 11.23am 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
Call to book on 01943 514886
https://www.facebook.com/TheFleeceOtley
Groove Pad
Turntable Tuesdays for your classic vinyl listening.
Weds Quiz nights at 8.30pm to 10.30pm.
“Roll up roll up! All you music geeks and rock n’ roll freaks get you brains in gear and get over here! It’s the Groove Pad Wednesday Quiz Night!!” The top prize is a £20 voucher that you can use at Groove Pad to buy vinyl, beers, spirits and other assorted goodies!”
New Hours from March 9th:
Monday: 4pm – 10pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday: 4pm – “Late”
Friday & Saturday: Midday – Midnight
Sunday: Midday – “Late”
Junction
Live music continues every Tuesday and Saturday.
Plus, Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions from 3pm.
Keep your eyes on their social media as there may be last minute alterations to the booked acts: https://www.facebook.com/thejunctioninnotley
And of course, the legendary fire!
Open from midday to 11pm every day
Horse and Farrier
Food now on 7 days a week. And don’t forget the fantastic rooms!
Monday and Tuesday will be a smaller menu and full menu run for the rest of the week with a delicious Roast on Sunday.
Food times:
Mon – Thurs: 12-8pm
Fri & Sat: 12-9pm
Sun: 12-6pm
Open Mic night every Thursday at 8pm. Everyone is welcome, either to perform or just to sit, drink and listen.
Manor
Another legendary fire! But still limited to weekend openings:
Fridays 16:00 – 01:00 (Open mic nights from 8.30)
Saturdays 14:00 – 01:00 (Music from 9pm)
Sundays 16:00 – 00:30.
Remember the Trad Irish music sessions are also on the 1st Sunday of the month from around 2pm
North Bar
Open from midday every day and closes at 11pm, except for Friday and Saturday (midnight) and Sunday (10pm)
Old Cock
Another legendary fire (ok, wood burning stove!) Great drink selections. 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
Roebuck
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 8:00pm
Rookery Bar & Venue
After the huge success of their first Comedy Night, more dates have been announced:
Tickets for the next two nights are £10 (+bf) & available below:
Saturday May 7th
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/the-rookery-comedy-night…
Saturday June 4th
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/the-rookery-comedy-night…
Book early to avoid disappointment – it’s bound to sell-out….again!
Rose & Crown
Great Sunday lunches plus full lunch menu available all week – call Wayne on 01943 850180 or why not pop in for a look!
Following on from their “Back to the 80s” DJ night with Tunes and Videos, watch out for monthly events at the R&C.
Next up it’s “Back to the 70s” night Good Friday 15th April from 8pm.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Rose-Crown-Otley-101447148753553
Royalty
New Al Fresco area coming soon. Work has begun on a new outdoor seating area.
Great offer from up t’hill:
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/
Also, there’s an Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday 15th April. Spend Good Friday, walking around The Chevin finding Easter Eggs. A great day out with the family. Hopefully the weather is good. If you are interested in more details, please DM us on Facebook or ring 01943 463732.
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: Midday to 7pm
Sunday: Midday to 6pm
Last bookings 15mins before closing time
Book your table now https://togo.uk.com/makeBookingv2?venueid=890&nv=true
Shadow Brewing
A great and interesting initiative from Ian at Shadow:
Our good friend Ian Shutt has launched “Tap Room Talks” – evenings geared to offering some company and solace to lonely people or singles who just want a chat. Alternate Wednesdays (8pm to 10pm) will be for men and women. For the ladies’ evenings, Kate is kindly hosting, so if you’re in need of some company, want to get something off your chest or just a change of scene, feel free to pop down.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for confirmations:
https://www.facebook.com/shadowbrewing
Read the full Leeds Live article here:
Other than the Tap Room Talks, regular hours are: Fri & Sat 6-10pm
Tap House
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
Beware of older Twitter accounts for Tap House. The correct one is @OtleyTaps1 aka The Otley Taps. Older accounts are still out there. You might want to update your Twitter “Follows”. The old ones are @OtleyTap and @OtleyTapHouse – cheers!
All shots £2.50!!!
New cask ales regularly – check out https://www.facebook.com/theotleytaphouse for what’s on today
Tavern
A couple of changes taking place at the Tav. First, they will be moving away from having a DJ every week and will be bringing in more live bands and solo vocalists. Second, they are serving food daily since the beginning of February. They have a new chef, so keep an eye out for the menu.
They also have free pool every Tuesday, from opening time till closing! Pizzas from 5.30pm starting at £7.50
Wednesday Quiz Night including the Otley Parmo £10 each including toppings and sides. Starts 5.30pm
Great drink offers – Happy Hour(s) – Mon to Fri 4pm to 7pm – 50p off beers making John Smiths £2.30 and cask ales less than £2.00
Whitakers Arms
New, updated menu – the Steak Pie is amazing!! Home cooked food served daily 12pm-4pm (Closed all day Wednesdays)
Thursday 7.30pm (note 30mins earlier!) Quiz Night with Picture Round, General Knowledge & Music Round – £1 per person to enter & the winning team takes the Pot. Complimentary sandwiches during the interval – brilliant!
Opening hours:
Mon – Thurs: Midday to 9pm (Closed Weds)
Fri & Sat: Midday to 11pm
Sun: Midday to 6pm
Happy hour(s) – Mon to Fri 4pm to 7pm 50p off selected pints and £1 off bottles of wine – Great stuff!
Live music, plus regular karaoke/DJ nights. Keep your eyes peeled to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whitakersotley
White Swan
Watch Social Media for upcoming live acoustic sessions. https://www.facebook.com/thewhiteswan_otley
Quiz on the first Wednesday of every month, starting at 7:30pm, with Chase the Ace and Higher or Lower, £1 per person entry, with cash prizes to be won.
New food menu has launched! Kitchen open Fri 4-9pm and Sat 1-9pm for now – menu looks great! Check it out on their Facebook site above.
Yew Tree
Coming soon is a monthly Kids Disco and there are regular CJ + Karaoke nights for the grown ups! – watch the Facebook site for more details!
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).
Seniors’ lunch deal every Thursday. Main course and a drink for just £4.95. Cottage pie, scampi, chilli, lasagne plus lots more AND a selected hot or cold drink. Served Midday to 2pm
Sunday night quiz – great prizes!
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 heart-warming story from north of the border, where the local community has saved “Britain’s most remote pub” The only pub in the small town of Inverie – The Old Forge, has been saved from closure to become the community hub for all the residents and visitors. Great stuff – almost makes you want to visit?
Here’s the fill story courtesy of The Grauniad: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/29/locals-secure-buyout-mainland-britain-most-remote-pub-old-forge-inverie?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
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 its 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 below 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 Social: Thursday 7th April 2022. Our first stop for the general social is at the North Bar (we may be upstairs!) from around 8pm, then a stroll to the Rookery (from 8.45pm) and our final port of call for the evening will be the Red Lion (Cask Ale permitting!) from 9.30pm
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
Give us a follow to stay in touch:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otleypubclub
Twitter: @OtleyPubClub
Insta: otley_pub_club