Hello, welcome to the August newsletter and a special welcome to our (many) new members!
Well, the Lockdown finally ended, but we are not clear of the dreaded Covid yet. It is a long and tortuous journey. As ever, our thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to all those who have lost loved ones, and had their businesses and livelihoods affected during this awful time. Not forgetting those nearest and dearest who continue to be affected with long-Covid – hopefully they’ll recover soon and be back to some sort of normality.
And yes, it’s not over yet. We should all continue to be careful. Whilst hospitality restrictions have eased, some venues are still being understandably cautious. There is no legal requirement to perform Test&Trace, although many places are still giving you the option. However, individual pubs and restaurants are still operating social distancing, wearing of face-masks whilst standing, table service only – no standing at the bar etc. We would ask that you all please adhere to the local requirements and be polite, courteous and understanding. Our fantastic landlords and staff have worked tirelessly during this difficult time. They have their own health and safety concerns at heart as well as their valued customers. So, please be patient and understanding. Together, we will get through this!
The recent OPC trip to the “Leeds Compass Arts Festival – Public House: The Yorkshire Square” was a great day out. Our very own Greg Mulholland presented one of the Tap Talks on the subject of “Corporatism, Ignorance & Indifference: Why Pubs Close & What Needs to Change” – very interesting and enlightening. Certainly an eye-opener for all in attendance – shame it wasn’t video’d for prosperity!
We plan to hold more events locally in the near future to get folks back in to our lovely bars and pubs. We have a few ideas but if our members have any suggestions, we will certainly consider them. Come along to one of our monthly socials for a chat, or send us an email at info@otleypubclub.co.uk
With the re-opening of the Horse & Farrier (more below) it means that ALL of our pubs and bars in Otley have re-opened. A fantastic achievement by all – thank you. Let’s try and keep them all open. This will only happen if we continue to support them. Our #FamousPubTown is in your hands.
Now then, OPC had intended to have a 10 year Anniversary bash for members, but Covid put a halt to all that of course. We are still intending to hold a get-together to celebrate our now 11/12 year (I forget!) Anniversary. In the meantime, we thought it would be timely to let you know what we are all about and why OPC exists. Please bare with me…..
Otley Pub Club (OPC) is a way for local people to support Otley’s pubs and a way for the pubs to communicate what they are doing to customers and potential customers. It is also a way that the pub lovers of Otley can campaign together to support and protect their local pubs.
OPC is a community organisation, run by the community working in conjunction with local pubs. It is therefore not an organisation led by the pubs or publicans or Otley PubWatch, though OPC will work closely with the pubs and Otley PubWatch.
OPC will be run by the volunteer committee and the committee all agree to the terms of the constitution and to abide by it.
OPC has the following purposes: –
1. For people to be kept informed of what is going on in the pubs.
2. To campaign against pub closures and on other issues affecting local pubs and be the ‘voice of pub supporters’ in the town (including in the press and other publications).
3. For people to support, identify with and feel some ‘ownership’ of Otley’s pubs as a community.
There you are. Simple. If any member wishes to see the full OPC Constitution, drop Eddie an email at info@otleypubclub.co.uk
This month we have news of Upcoming Events in our #FamousPubTown, plus the usual Pub News and Pub Events. “And Finally” will round us off for this month. Here we go…
UPCOMING EVENTS
At the time of writing the Otley Live Music Festival will have wrapped up. Thankfully the weather was kind and we hope you were all able to sample some fantastic local artists out and about in town. It certainly seemed to go down a treat. Hopefully a permanent fixture on the Otley events calendar?
There will be even more music on the streets of Otley this month! Following on from the hugely successful Otley Music Festival over Yorkshire Day weekend, we now have music each Saturday in August around town presented by The Big Hoo-Ha Co @ Woolpack Studios:
Market Place 11am to 1pm:
7th Aug – Otley Brass Band
14th Aug – Mestisa
21st Aug – Phil Snell
28th Aug – Joe & Anne Gallagher
Orchard Gate 11am to 1pm:
7th Aug – Gum Trio
14th Aug – Al Bampton
21st Aug – Greenman Dawn
28th Aug – Hazjak
Bay Horse Court 11am to 1pm
7th Aug – Sally’s Army
21st Aug – Becky Holmes
Wharfemeadows Park 11am to 1pm
14th Aug – Lisa Marie Glover
28th Aug – Redwood River Band
What a great initiative. Let’s hope the weather improves a bit. A fantastic opportunity to get out and about in town in the fresh air! and support these local artists. And why not get some refreshment in one of our lovely local bars & pubs while you’re at it!
The Farmer’s Market (last Sunday of each month) is back up and running – backed up by the lovely Bay Horse Bazaar. Fantastic atmosphere all around town. Great to walk around followed by a swift drink or two in one of our lovely pubs.
Otley Folk Festival 17-19 September 2021
A message from the OFF team:
“With the recent government announcement suggesting that we may be able to get back to some sort of reality by the end of the summer, we are cautiously optimistic that we may be able to host our annual folk festival.
We will plan a series of concerts and sessions plus street entertainment to suit the regulations at the time whatever they may be. It is difficult to know what the social distancing rules will be so details will be put on our website as and when they are confirmed. We will also confirm our artists rosta on the website, for now though, pencil in the date… 17-19 September 2021. “
http://www.otleyfolkfestival.com/
PUB NEWS
Big news coming out of the City – NewRiver REIT (owner of our very own Bay Horse) sells Hawthorn Leisure pub chain to Admiral Taverns (owner of our very own Cross Pipes). The retail and leisure property investor said it had agreed to sell its 674 community pubs business to Admiral Taverns for around £222.3 million. No changes are expected from a customer point of view. What happens behind the scenes to their tenants will be discovered in due course – if indeed there are any changes at all. More news on that deal here: https://www.cityam.com/admiral-taverns-acquires-newrivers-community-pubs-for-222m/
The Fleece
Even more awards for this fantastic venue. Following on from the recent Otley Business award, The Fleece has won the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice 2021 – great news. Otley’s only riverside pub goes from strength to strength. A fantastic accolade and well deserved Congratulations to all!
A message from Geoff and the team at The Fleece
“We couldn’t be prouder to get this award. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed us on Tripadvisor and everyone who has visited us this past year. “
Revised opening times on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheFleeceOtley and here: http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pubs-present/the-fleece
Horse & Farrier
Great news that this iconic Otley pub has re-opened under the care of new General Manager Jessica-Louise Parkinson. We had a visit with Jess before opening and her plans sound really exciting. B&B rooms along with full kitchen will be up and running later in August. Jess is committed to stocking primarily Yorkshire ales, with guest ales allowed in as long as they’re proper! Nice to see candles on the tables for those cosy evenings and a host of board games available in “the snug”.
Limited opening for now as they get up and running – times here http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pubs-present/the-horse-and-farrier
We wish Jess every success and hopefully, the wonderful Otley public will rally round and support this long-waited for re-opening!
Wharfedale Observer has more on the re-opening of the new H&F here: https://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/19471719.traditional-otley-pub-re-opening-week/
Rose & Crown
Change of manager. As Gareth departs (cheers buddy) new manager Kevin already in place and trying to make a go of it – Good luck Kevin. Why not pop in and welcome him to Otley?
Summercross
The site is still for sale for a cool £850k – it appears planning permission has been granted for a 46-bed care home. BUT! It can still be renovated back to the former glorious pub. An excellent opportunity considering the proposed East of Otley development.
More detail on the sale here: https://hardistyandco.com/properties/site-and-buildings-of-the-former-summer-cross-public-house-east-busk-lane-otley-0-59-acres/
PUB EVENTS
Bay Horse
The Bay Horse courtyard is looking beautiful. If you haven’t been (or noticed) the wonderful hanging basket displays, planters and newly painted murals, it’s worth a look – and why not have a drink and excellent sandwich off the menu while you’re viewing?
Black Bull
Every Friday night – Karaoke with DJ Fozzie 8pm til midnight
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
More work undertaken in the stable yard. It’ll be great when completed. A real bonus for the town to have such an excellent space. Anyone for a Wimbledon-type sliding roof?
New offer! Who doesn’t love a chippy tea? Pensioners portion of beer battered Hadock and hand cut chips £5. Add a pint of Kirkstall cask for £2. Tues-Fri 12-5pm
The (Award Winning) Fleece
New opening hours – more details here: http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pubs-present/the-fleece
Junction
Message from Oli
“Morning all, we are starting our live music acts at The Junction Inn. If any artists would like a chance to play at our venue, please P.M. me with your act name, prices, and contact details. Let’s get music back in our pubs and help the local artists.”
Oli can be reached here: https://www.facebook.com/oli.land.5
Great news! This iconic Otley music venue is a great return to the again thriving Otley music scene – Tuesday and Saturday nights from 8pm. We popped in to see Lewis Robinson, solo acoustic artist last Tuesday. What a joy to have live music back.
Upcoming – C.J.Smith Blues is the band of choice for Saturday 7th at 8pm
Manor House
Open mic sessions from 8.30pm each Friday
Live bands each Saturday
Red Lion
Free pool? Why not? Ask at the bar or phone ahead for details
DJ ASH IS BACK!! Get yourselves down here Fridays for some great tunes!!
Roebuck
Roast Beef Sundays!
Sunday Roast – Dry Aged Strip Loin of Beef
Served all day (until is gone) along side our main menu
Booking essential – Call 01943 463063
Rookery
Upcoming Events:
Sat, Aug 21st at 7pm – Chris Helme (The Seahorses)
Rose & Crown
Yes, under new management. But still serving traditional Sunday lunches 12-4pm (veggie and children’s options available)
The offer of Bring Your Own Food has however ended.
Tap House
Two great offers: 2 for £10 on all double rums, gins and mixers – All day Sun to Thurs
plus the return of the Ale Club – Mon to Thurs 12-5pm – all pints of cask ales are £2.50 each
Live music thriving – Fri, Sat and Sunday – check out https://otleytaphouse.com/whats-on to keep up to date with who is on and when.
Tavern
Coors £2.80 a pint and £2.30 during happy hour (4-6pm weekdays)
Live music returns to the Tavern – Saturday 7th August 8pm Dave Prater with acoustic guitar and vocals.
(We’ll have to change our OPC handle! #FamousPubAndMusicTown ! Great to see live music back in town. Please get down and support these artists, who’ve also been struggling for income.)
Weds night quiz from 8pm with a bit of bingo thrown in – not sure if it’s every Weds from now on – worth keeping an eye out!
Whitakers Arms
Happy Hour. 50p off all pints and £1 off all bottles of wine. Mon – Fri 4pm to 7pm
Sunday Lunches – Booking Recommended To Avoid Disappointment.
Beef, Pork Or Chicken Dinner Available. 12pm – 4pm £8.95 / £6.95 – Regular / Small
Book Via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp Or Telephone On The Following Number: 01943 968 020
Please Note Our Regular Menu Is NOT Available On A Sunday.
Cheers
https://www.facebook.com/whitakersarmsotley
Yew Tree
We will be serving delicious home-cooked food Friday and Saturday 5 til 8pm and Sunday 12.00 til 4pm. Booking recommended, call 01943 461330 or 07392 306247 or message us.
Quiz nights (50p entry with fun rounds and music!) are also back every Sunday 9pm til 10.30pm and the first Tuesday in the month 9pm til 10pm!
Karaoke is back! Saturday 7th Aug Karaoke and Disco starting at 8pm with DJ Andy
Remember, if you are a publican and want your event or offers listed here and sent for free to our 650+ membership each month, just drop us an email info@otleypubclub.co.uk
You can also follow what’s happening in the pubs, who is open and when, via our Pub Updates page at http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pub-updates.
AND FINALLY……..
A little out of town but we hear that the Generous Pioneer in Burley is under planning permission for a new care home. OK, not a long-established pub, but another sign that the pub trade generally is in a very precarious state. All the more reason for us to pop out now and again to one of our lovely pubs and keep Otley as a #FamousPubTown
Again, if you’re a publican, please visit your pub’s page (just follow the link from the Updates page) and if you want your page, events, times updating just drop us an email at info@otleypubclub.co.uk
That’s it for this month folks. Please be patient and courteous when you are out and about. Enjoy the summer (?) and we’ll see you out and about in our #FamousPubTown
This month’s Committee meeting is tonight (Thursday) at The Roebuck. Meeting business starts at 7pm to 7.45pm. After which we have a social and we’d be happy for any members to come along for a chat. No 3 pub walk-about afterwards, unless we call in at the Yew Tree.
Very best regards to all
Your OPC Committee
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