August ’23 Newsletter

Welcome to the August edition of the Otley Pub Club newsletter. And a special welcome to our new subscribers.

The great British summer, eh? It’s a good job we’ve got so many local establishments to explore and take shelter in!

Our Yorkshire Day Photo Exhibition for 2023 (in conjunction with Otley Camera Club and Otley Museum) has been a tremendous success, despite the weather dampening peoples’ enthusiasm for getting out and perhaps forgetting the Black Horse Stables Yard is under cover! Any road up, we’ve had plenty of visitors from far and wide. Plenty of discussion and plenty of debate and questions raised. All in all, we think it was tremendously supported – thank you to the great Otley public for showing interest. First of all, by entering in your photos in to the competition to find the best pub photo and then coming along to see the Exhibition. We trust you enjoyed it.

For the record, the prize winners announced by our wonderful Otley Bellman, Terry Ford and presented by Otley Town Mayor, Cllr Ray Smith were:
1^st Brian Keighley for his photo in The Junction,
2^nd Nigel Halton with his photo in The Old Cock and
3^rd Holly Pennington with her photo in The Rose & Crown.
They were presented with their prizes of £100, £50 and £25 respectively.

If you want to see the winning entries, they’re here:
http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/news-and-events/yorkshire-day-pub-photo-competition-winners

Huge thanks to all who made this Yorkshire Day event possible. The helpers who came along each day, Stephen, Les and Andy from Otley Camera Club, all at Otley Museum, Mayor Ray Smith (for both judging and presenting), legendary Bellman Terry Ford and you, the great Otley (and beyond!) public for your participation and support. Last but not least, much love and thanks to Jen and the team for allowing the event and their patience!

There was further good news regarding the Cross Pipes with the successful purchase by a local consortium – more below under Pub News

We all know that the economic situation is affecting businesses of all sorts, as well as domestic users. With this in mind, it’s understandable that some of our bars and pubs are adjusting their opening hours accordingly. More details as we get them of course. We will try to keep our website up to date, but it’s a very fluid situation so please bear with us and our hard-pressed publicans. Perhaps, check out with the venue to confirm opening times?

And of course, a call out to all publicans, if you do change hours/days of opening, please let us know via info@otleypubclub.co.uk and we’ll endeavour to get the word out there.

We’ve got the usual categories this month of Otley Events, Pub News, Pub Events and our “And Finally” piece sees the return of Pub of the Month.

Here we go….

OTLEY EVENTS

Otley BID bring us Music On The Streets of Otley

Free Live music for all – every Saturday in Otley this August across different locations. Local artists performing live between 11am and 1pm.

SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST
– Buttercross : Leeds Folk Fiddles
– Orchard Gate : Gamini Khurani
– New Inn Court : Nat Fletcher

SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST
– Market Place : Firebird
– Orchard Gate : Ben & Zak
– Newmarket : Katerina

SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST
– Buttercross : Mestisa
– Orchard Gate : Easton Guillory
– Newmarket : Tess & Phil

SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST
– Market Place : Dilettante
– Orchard Gate : Subrosa
– New Inn Court : Owen Houlston

Check out the artists’ links, venues and times at https://otleybid.co.uk/ and follow the link to Latest News

Weekend of TOM – Together Over Music
August 26^th and 27^th 1pm to 6.30pm (silent disco 7-10.30pm)

A weekend of FREE music and entertainment, in memory of Tommy Evans, raising funds for Leeds Suicide Bereavement Services. Hosted by the businesses in Bay Horse Court.
Add some sizzle to your summer and but a bit of sunshine in your bank holiday. 2 afternoons of free, great live music, with some of the areas finest musicians.
Along with food, drink & entertainment . Each evening ends with an outdoor silent disco.
All proceeds from ticket sales and cocktail bar goes to Leeds Suicide Bereavement Services
Tickets for Silent Disco available https://buytickets.at/weekendoftom/964772

Otley Pub Walkers

Watch out for more regular meets and walks around the area. There’s a WhatsApp group that is the prime vehicle for news and often posts impromptu walks – e.g. Anyone free tomorrow for a walk to …..

Why not get involved? Check out their Facebook page and send a message to join the WhatsApp group. All capabilities and pets welcome! https://www.facebook.com/OtleyPubWalkers

Otley Folk Club
The Otley Folk Club meet every Weds evening upstairs in the Black Horse. Singers’ nights run on alternate weeks. All welcome!

Programme – all tbc:

AUGUST
2 Singers Night
9 ALLAN TAYLOR
16 Singers Night
23 LAST ORDERS
30 Singers Night

SEPTEMBER
6                              tbc
13                    Singers Night
15-17              OTLEY FOLK FESTIVAL (see below)
20                    Singers Night
27                    DAVE SPEIGHT

Turn up to play, join in or just listen!

Check out their website for contact details and events or give them a follow on Facebook:
https://otleyfolkclub.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/otleyfolkclub

Otley Folk Festival 2023 sponsored by Craven Brew Co.

It’s September 15^th to 17^th. A message from the organisers:
“We will be building on last year’s smaller folk festival and welcome back the use of Otley Parish Church as our main concert venue and as usual several of our great Otley Pubs will provide the basis of our weekend (more venues still to be announced).
CAMPSITE, CONCERTS, STREET ENTERTAINMENT, MUSICIANS SESSIONS, SINGAROUNDS,
WORKSHOPS, FAMILY FOLK DAY
The festival office will be at the Labour Club as usual. All up to date information will be available there over the weekend.
The Festival is on Twitter @otleyff and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OtleyFolkFestival/
We are pleased to confirm that there will be a festival campsite this year”

Contact: otleyff@hotmail.com

http://www.otleyfolkfestival.com/ for a list of Artists

Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza

Knotford Nook, Pool Road, Otley, LS21 1EA on Sunday 10th September 2023 – 10:00 am – 4:00pm

Vehicle Entry Forms NOW AVAILABLE from their website: https://www.ovte.co.uk/

Attractions Include: Fairground Organs, Classic & Veteran Cars, Motorcycles, Military Vehicles, Heavy & Light Commercials, Tractors, Steam Engines, Trade Stands, Car Boot Sale, Displays, Brass Bands, Childrens Amusements, Punch & Judy Show, City of Leeds Pipe Band, Terrier Racing AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

Admission: Adult: £5.00, Concession (over 60s): £4.00
Children under 14 FREE if accompanied by an adult over 18

FREE Car Parking

OTLEY BEER FESTIVAL returns for 2023!

Last week the Otley Beer Festival committee approved the arrangements to go ahead in partnership with the rugby club for 2023. They told us:

“We are delighted to announce that the Otley Beer Festival will be returning on the 17/18^th November in partnership with Otley Rugby Club. Details are being worked on and more news will follow as arrangements are finalised, please check the website www.otleybeerfestival.co.uk for updates“

After missing the last couple of years due to first of all Covid and then organisational difficulties, it’s great to hear that this iconic Otley event will be returning. Get the date in your diaries. Diaries? OK…Calendar App!

PUB NEWS

Cross Pipes
Well it was a tortuous few days but eventually the deed has been done (subject to signing contracts) and the lovely historical Cross Pipes has been saved as a pub by a consortium of local businessmen. Representatives of Otley Pub Club were happy to meet the new owners Philip Lister and Kevin Daphne and hear their plans. No definite date has been set for opening due to extensive restoration and refurbishment required, so watch this space. The guys plan for a traditional pub which fits sympathetically into the current portfolio of Otley pubs as well as providing much needed B&B accommodation. We can’t wait!

Manor House
It’s still all very quiet from sellers Thwaites as to the state of play. We understand that their selling price is deterring potential buyers (of which there were a few) due to the cost of repairs needed.

After the recent meeting of the Community Bid group, the Bid is back under way as they waited for potential buyers who have since gone. Expect more news soon with setting up of the Community Bid website and the start of a fundraising programme.

As we said, the Community Bid Team is still in place and the project has 2 key objectives:

To save The Manor House as a truly historic pub
To create a unique Community Pub in our famous pub town

The group’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/809850323595408

Or, you can follow the Community Pub Group on Twitter: @otleycommpub

More public meetings are planned as the fund raising gets underway. Keep an eye on the Community Pub social media sites and if you want news, get in touch or provide support, all are welcome. Contacts above.

Summercross
It appears that the last planning application has been withdrawn. We are not at all surprised by this. The poor quality application was full of holes and discrepancies. Watch this space for more news!

Otley Tavern
You may have noticed that a sign has gone up at the Tav. Either Freehold or Leasehold is on offer – free of any brewery tie. Now closed unfortunately.

PUB EVENTS

Bay Horse
Monthly music “The Bay Horse Jam” – going down a storm and very popular – first Sunday of every month 3pm to 6pm. A message from Jan & Dean:
“Come and join us on Sunday afternoon for an informal music session where you can sing, play, join in with other or just listen. Fresh sandwiches available for purchase. Everyone is welcome!”

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.

Opening hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 5pm – 10.30pm
Thurs: Noon – 10.30pm
Friday & Saturday: Noon – 11pm
Sunday: Noon – 10.30pm

Black Bull
Loving the covered shelter at the back by the way. It looks beautiful and a great addition to the town.
Watch out on Social Media for notice of weekend DJ & Karaoke nights!

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

Bar Open:

Sun – Thurs = 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat = 11am – Midnight

Lovely home-cooked food with lots of fantastic reviews. Kitchen opening hours:

Mon – Fri = Midday – 2.45pm
Sat & Sun = Midday – 3.45pm

https://www.facebook.com/theblackbullinnotley/

Black Horse Hotel
The wonderful Black Horse Beer Festival is back for it’s 2^nd year. 1^st to 3^rd September – more details soon!

Summer Cinema in the Stables Yard – FREE throughout August each Thursday:
Aug 3^rd – Drop Dead Fred @ 4pm
Aug 10^th – Rocketman @ 7pm
Aug 17^th– The Goonies @ 4pm and Mean Girls @ 7pm
Aug 24^th – James & The Giant Peach @ 4pm and Coneheads @ 7pm

Happy Hour 5pm to 6pm Monday to Friday all beers £3 – Fantastic!

Tuesday = Pie Day! Pie and a Pint (Kirkstall Core Cask range) £9 Served 12-9pm
Wednesdays = BOGOF Burgers – Buy One Get One Free!

Great food menu available here https://blackhorseotley.co.uk/food-and-drink/

And don’t forget the lovely, refurbished rooms

Bar Opening Times:

Sun to Weds: Midday – 10pm
Thurs: Midday – 11pm
Fri & Sat: Midday – Midnight

Kitchen Hours:

12 – 8pm (close 7pm Sundays)

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!”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackHorseOtley

Bowling Green
Wetherspoons own site has a very interesting history of Otley and the pub:
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/england/west-yorkshire/the-bowling-green-otley

Opening Hours:

Mon to Thur: 8am to Midnight
Fri & Sat: 8am to 1am
Sun: 8am to 11pm

Tel: 01943 858980

Tuesday Quiz night from 8pm. Bingo, trivia and potential cash prizes.

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-yorkshire/the-bowling-green-otley

Cross Pipes
Under refurbishment. Opening date to be announced. See above under Pub News for more info or follow this link:
http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/news-and-events/a-new-era-for-the-historic-cross-pipes-pub-otley-pub-club-celebrates-local-pub-purchase

The Curious Hop Bière Café
‘The Beer and Book Club’ second Wednesday of every month to chat about whichever book they’ve been reading. Not only can you get the book at a discount in the Bookshop on the Square, (unless you have it already, of course) but you’ll also get a discount on your drinks on the night. If you like books, and you like beer, why not give it a try?

They have teamed up with the lovely @acasadialessia across the way. Why not bring your pizza in and enjoy with a huge range of quality drinks? Cheers!

Expect 3 hand-pulled ales, a selection of speciality and foreign kegs, ciders and spirits. They’re dog friendly.

Hours:

Closed on Mondays
Tuesday to Thursday 3pm-11pm
Friday & Saturday 12noon-11pm
Sunday 12noon-10:30pm.

Upstairs room bookable (free!) for about 20 people. For any more details email bierecafe@curioushop.com

Finally, for anyone worried, the @curioushop bottle shop is still open and trading around the corner on Newmarket.

Pop in and have a drink next time you’re passing. Marcus and the team are sure to give you the warmest of welcomes!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087658025663

https://www.curioushop.com/bar

Fleece
Don’t forget it’s Steak Night on Tuesdays 5-8pm 2 Rump or Gammon steaks and a Bottle of house wine £40.00.

Just want a beer? No problem – all welcome!

Bar:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: Midday to 10.30pm
Friday & Saturday: Midday to 11pm
Sunday: Midday to 9pm

Kitchen:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: Midday to 8pm
Friday & Saturday: Midday to 8.30pm
Sunday: Midday to 5pm (Always very popular – best to book your table)

New menus available on their Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/TheFleeceOtley

Tel. 01943 968220

Horse and Farrier
10% off all cask ales for CAMRA members on production of your card!

Regular weekend live acts – check out their Facebook page below for details. Some fantastic artists appearing.

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.

After the huge success of the Thursday Open Mic nights (not been yet? Please do, it’s great!), the 2^nd Sunday of each month sees another Open Mic event from 6pm. In good weather this may be outside. There’s a house guitar, piano and full PA available. All welcome!

Don’t forget the 4 fantastic rooms for B&B!

Opening Hours:

Mon to Weds: Midday – 10pm
Thurs to Sat: Midday – 11pm
Sunday: Midday – 10:30pm

No food at the moment

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehorsefarrier

Web: https://www.markettowntaverns.co.uk/pub-and-bar-finder/yorkshire/horse-and-farrier/

Junction
Live music every Tuesday and Saturday.

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 Social
Always a great drinks selection – and remember it’s not all about alcohol. Plenty of low and 0% options plus gorgeous Dark Woods Coffee https://www.facebook.com/darkwoodscoffee.

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 Facebook and Twitter with changing beer options. Give them a follow:
https://www.facebook.com/theoldcockotley

Twitter @TheOldCockOtley

Opening hours: 11am to 11pm

Otley Tap House
Kids still eat for £1! 7 days a week until 7pm. With every adult burger and fries purchased, 2 children can eat for £1 each from the kids menu. T&Cs see their Facebook site – NOW extended until 30^th September 2023 – Fan-burger-tastic!

The Happiest Happy Hour Ever! The offer now includes all Cask Ales, Coors or Aspall!! From opening to 6pm Mon to Friday. All pints are £3.00

Watch out for live acoustic music sessions Sunday evenings

Monday is Burger offer day (midday to 9.30pm) – burger, fries and a drink for £9.45

Quiz Night every Tues at 8.15pm (followed by Play Your Cards Right):

1^st Place – £50 Food and Drink Voucher
2^nd Place – O’Deli Group Voucher

All shots £2.50!!!

New cask ales regularly – check out https://www.facebook.com/theotleytaphouse for what’s on today

Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 3pm to Midnight (Burgers: 4pm – 9.30pm)
Friday & Saturday: Midday to Midnight (Burgers: Midday – 10.30pm)
Sunday: Midday – 10.30pm (Burgers: Midday to 9.30pm)

Menus https://theotleytaps.loke.app/722/menu

Telephone: 01943 466755 (bar) or 0758 4357229 (burgers)

Or, order via the Otley Taps App in house or for home delivery

Otley Tavern
Closed until further notice

Red Lion
Great to see Landlord Josh trialling cask hand-pulled beer with Ossett’s lovely White Rat at a very competitive price, to accompany the already fantastically low priced beers, lagers, and other drinks deals – good luck mate!

Big screen sports entertainment.

Don’t forget the lovely re-covered pool table.

Lots of events and offers ongoing. Follow them on Facebook to keep up to date.

Opening hours:
10.30am to 11pm daily, (except close midnight Friday)

Red Lion Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OtleyPub

Roebuck
Menus on their Facebook page and website: https://www.roebuckpub.co.uk/our-food/

Opening times:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 11:30am – 10:00pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 8:00pm

Kitchen times:

Monday – Closed
Tuesday to Friday inclusive 12.00 – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday 12 noon – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 12:00 – 6.00pm

https://www.facebook.com/TheRoebuckOtley

Rookery Bar & Venue
The new menu has landed and is now available. Some old, some new, call in and see what made the cut. #241cocktails runs from 5pm till 10pm every open day.

Opening Hours:

Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 4 till midnight
Wednesday – Closed
Thursday to Saturday – 4 till midnight
Sunday – 4 till 10.30

The fantastically hilarious Shoe Cake Comedy return for a season of Rookery Comedy Nights

2 more comedy night dates for your diary this year, all held upstairs at The Rookery Bar & Venue :

Friday Sept 22nd – New Act/New Material night with headliners The Halls of Ridiculous https://skiddle.com/e/36277776

Friday Nov 10th – New Act/New Material night with headliners The Halls of Ridiculous https://skiddle.com/e/36277807

Please share and invite your friends

Upstairs at the Rookery – Film Club now have their own Facebook site. Check it out for listings and updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1149769698934843/

A message from the guys:
“Mums, Dads, Minders of Children! Do you find yourselves stuck with what to do to keep the smaller folk entertained during these crazy summer holidays? Well hopefully we can help (for a couple of days at least).

On Wednesday 23rd of August we’ve got the Picnic Movie Club. Movies designed to keep the little ones entertained for a while. Thomas The Tank Engine (and The Magic Railroad) at 10am & Shaun The Sheep: Farmageddon at 1pm.

Bring your munchkins down, bring a picnic, let them run around in the beer garden in between movies.

Tickets are £2 per person per film with drinks & snacks available at the bar (which is fully stocked and open in case you need something a little stronger).”

There are only 30 seats available for each film so get in early to be guaranteed a place for all the magic.

Rookery’s Facebook page for more details/prices/times:

https://www.facebook.com/therookerybar

Rose & Crown
NEW meal offer – 50% Off all main meals Tuesdays 12 til 9pm

Here’s your week planned out at the R&C:

Wednesday = Quiz night from 8.30pm
Thursday = Steve’s (mad) cash prize Bingo – some great, (and some awful) prizes – kicking off at 8pm where there’s money and loads of other really random (and we mean RANDOM) prizes to be won! £10 to play which gives you 6 games – all entrance money then gets split up on each game. If you fancy coming for your tea beforehand, we’ll give all bingo players 10% off your bill.
Saturday – it’s Bottomless Brunch. 12pm to 5pm (pre-booking required). For 90 minutes choose any 3 of our Tapas dishes and enjoy unlimited Prosecco, cocktails or selected soft drinks
First Sunday of every month Live Music Open Mic night from 7.30pm hosted by the fantastic Marshalls & Friends – 7^th May
Keep an eye on R&Cs social media for more live acoustic sessions

Food wise – there’s Tuesdays to Thursdays “Plenty 4 Twenty” From a set menu, choose 2 courses for 2 people for £20 and also, Tuesdays to Fridays – Lunch and a drink for just £8.99

Bar Opening Times:
Every day Midday to 11pm, except closed Monday and close at 10.30pm Sunday

Kitchen Hours are:
Tuesday to Saturday: Midday to 4pm and then again 5pm to 9pm
Sunday Midday til 6pm (Very popular Sunday roasts & veg options available)

Please note, the evening meals are proving to be very popular and a great addition to food options generally in Otley.

Current menu (and also where you can reserve a table) on the new website: https://www.roseandcrownotley.com/

Telephone: 01943 850180

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroseandcrownotley

Email: roseandcrownotley@outlook.com

Royalty
The 1^st Royalty Beer Festival on 12^th August from 1pm to 10pm – Food (BBQ for gourmet burgers and much more), Music (4 Local live bands appearing), Drinks (outdoor bar serving a huge range of real cask ales, lagers, ciders & other draught products) – £10 per person (for non-email club members – so why not join the email club and get half price entry! – check with the Royalty staff for more info) Unlimited drinks package for 2 = £125, plus u16s free!

They say:
“At this exciting event, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of beers from local breweries. From hoppy IPAs to crystal clear pales, there’s something for every beer enthusiast. Discover new flavours, meet fellow beer lovers, and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere.

Aside from the incredible beer selection, we’ve got live music performances lined up to keep you entertained throughout the day. Soak up the tunes while sipping on your favourite brews and enjoy the lively ambience.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, The Royalty Beer Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. Make sure your calendar is marked for the 12th August and we will see you there!”

Get your tickets now – more here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-royalty-beer-festival-tickets-676251334947?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshwebdesktop

Remember to join the Royalty’s email newsletter scheme to receive discounts, offers and news. Like, The Royalty Kids Meal Deal will run weekdays, from Monday 24th July-Friday 1st September. When you buy any kids meal you have a choice a drink or Ice Cream to be included in the price.

(Conditions apply, please ask a member of staff for details)

Cask Club all day Monday. Enjoy a pint or two of cask ale for only £3.25 – The Wharfedale Blond at 3.9% is gorgeous! As are the other options!

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.
Also, 2 Meals from the Offer Menu for £19.95 Monday to Wednesday 5-8pm

Four refreshing spritz for those warm summer nights. Choose from Aperol, Limoncello, Bellini or Passionfruit Spritz. All at £6.95

New Opening Times:

Monday to Thursday: 11am – 9pm (kitchen til 8pm)
Friday & Saturday: 10am – 9pm (kitchen til 9pm)
Sunday: 12pm – 7pm (kitchen til 6pm)

Brunch and Light Bites (sandwiches/Jackets etc.) Mon – Sat: opening til 2.30pm

Book your table now https://togo.uk.com/makeBookingv2?venueid=890&nv=true

Brunch & Restaurant Menus (incl. Gluten Free & Kids) on Website: https://the-royalty.co.uk/

The Royalty Road Show are back on Weds 28^th June. Classic cars on show usually from 6pm with the new BBQ menu in full swing.

Check out their FB site for future dates and times. Why not give them a follow?
https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyaltyRoadShow Come and view all the amazing cars (and bikes!).

Shadow Brewing
A message from MINT (Men In Need Together):
“Morning legends, Tuesday night, who is coming along to #mintproject meeting today?
#DontManUpSpeakUp as always, big love – LET’S TALK!!
MINT offers a completely FREE support group on Tuesday evenings so men can reach out for the help and support they need and deserve.
It’s just like-minded men having a chat with a brew, listening, and giving support to other blokes who want to improve where they currently are. So why not give it a go?
Again, it’s completely FREE, no referral, no sign up, no judgement… just turn up.

Otley Group meet at
– Shadow Brewing,
– Every Tuesday at 7-9.30pm
– FREE refreshments – Tea, Coffee & Biscuits
Look forward to seeing you there”

Sunday 20^th Aug Live acoustic music from The Silver Reserve from 7pm

Next Women’s Taproom Talks Weds 30^th August 8pm to 10pm – all welcome!

Regular hours are Fri & Sat 6-10pm

3 different Book Clubs now meet monthly at Shadow. Get in touch with Ian for dates and chat about which one suits you.

Watch out for more live music performances by following Shadow’s Facebook site for dates and times of events.

https://www.facebook.com/shadowbrewing

Whitakers Arms
CONGRATULATIONS to the WHOLE Mcknight family (yes, including Jack!) on their listing as #11 in TripAdvisor’s Best Pubs for Food in Leeds. Not a surprise to Otley folk of course. Always superb fare in here. Brilliant food, drinks and staff – a real asset to the town. Well done to Andy & Monica AND Jack!

Bar Opening Times:

Monday:12pm to 6pm
Tuesday: 12pm to 8pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 12pm to 8pm
Friday: 12pm to 10.30pm
Saturday: 12pm to 11pm
Sunday: 12pm to 6pm

Kitchen hours:

Everyday Midday to 3pm (except closed Weds & Thurs)
Sunday 12pm to 4pm

Booking recommended for Sunday Dinners – message on Fbook or call 01943 968020

Happy hour(s) – Mon to Fri 4pm to 6pm 50p off selected pints and £1 off bottles of wine – Great stuff!

Facebook (for menus, events etc.): https://www.facebook.com/whitakersotley

White Swan
Watch Social Media for regular live acoustic sessions.

https://www.facebook.com/thewhiteswan_otley

All the big screen sports are on!

Open daily Midday to 11pm

Yew Tree
Basket Meals Mon to Sat 6pm to 11pm:

Chicken in a basket, Scampi in a basket, Chunky Fish Fingers & Chips, Nachos, Overloaded Cheesy Chips, small Pepperoni & chips. All £5.25 each!

Your friendly community local north of the river.

Senior Lunch every Thursday 12pm until 2pm. Any main course and a soft drink or hot drink for just £4.95. Add a dessert for just a pound!
Fun quiz nights every Sunday, including the popular eliminator quiz. Great prizes to be won including beer vouchers, Supercar driving experiences, computer tablets and more!!!
Free pool every Wednesday from opening time at 4pm until closing!
We have a pool team that play every Tuesday, contact us if you’re interested in joining!
We welcome motorhome and campervan stopovers at The Yew Tree. No need to book, just turn up! We have an outside tap at the rear of the pub and toilet facilities until we close.
We are able to hire our lounge free of charge for funerals, parties, meetings, and more. We have 3 levels of buffet available including teas and coffees. Call 01943 461330 or email: theyewtreeinn1@gmail.com for more information. For parties we have a resident DJ available if required.
And don’t forget the doggy carvery! Your best friend is welcome to eat with you for just an extra £1:50! (All doggie proceeds donated to Moorview Rescue).

https://www.facebook.com/yewtreeotley

Have you tried one of our Sunday carveries yet?

Just £9.95 with beef, ham, turkey and pork, roast potatoes, mash, honey glazed parsnips, carrots, broccoli, green beans, sprouts, cabbage, peas, stuffing, cauli cheese, proper gravy and Yorkshire puds! All home made!

Just see our reviews! Call 01943 461330 to book now! Doggy carvery just £1.50

Opening hours:

Monday to Wednesday: 4pm – 11.30pm
Thursday: 12pm – 11.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 2pm – 11.30pm
Sunday: 12pm – 11.30pm

Kitchen Hours (additional to basket meal times above):

Thursday: 12pm – 2pm
Friday & Saturday: 5pm – 8pm
Sunday Carvery: 12pm – 4.30pm

LOCAL CHARITIES AND BUSINESSES…… We are hiring out the use of our Lounge room FREE OF CHARGE for you to host your own party nights or charity events!
Just send us a message if you’d like to book an evening in! (We are able to provide microphone if needed!).

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

PUB OF THE MONTH – THE BLACK HORSE HOTEL

Which other pub could it be this month than the wonderful Black Horse Hotel – the pub that has hosted our photographic exhibition for the best part of a week during August. Not only did the pub manager Jen let us use the decking round 2 sides of the stables yard to erect our exhibition boards, but she also let us have the use of one of their garages for storage during the week. On top of that, she allowed us to use the big screen for a scrolling presentation of almost 500 present and past images of Otley pubs, which several people said during the week the part of the whole event that they found most captivating. And it’s that willingness to try something different and to use the various parts of the pub to their best advantage, that have helped to turn round the fortunes of the Hotel over the past few years.

Although the current building only opened its doors in 1902, replacing the previous Black Horse Hotel that was built in the early days of the 19^th century, there is documented evidence of an inn on site dating back as far as 1670. In those days it was reputedly known by the fantastical name of The Broken Dragoon (1742). Last century, it was one of the many pubs in Otley owned and operated by Tetley’s Brewery of Leeds, until it was transferred to the ownership of Enterprise Inns.

In the early days of this century the bar at the hotel started to become less popular, until in 2010 it was turned into an Irish bar called O’Malley’s – which failed to stop the slide. After 2 further short-term tenancies, Enterprise closed the building, and it remained empty in the weeks before the Tour de France bike race was due to come through Otley – and this was where Otley Pub Club stepped in. The last thing the town needed was the eyes of the world following the biggest bike race in the world through the centre of Otley straight towards a closed, dingy hotel. So, Enterprise were persuaded to clean it up and open it up for business again, which to their credit they did just a couple of days before the race!

Following further changes of management, the hotel never really regained a level of business for Enterprise to keep it afloat, and they put the freehold on the market in 2018. It was here that Otley Pub Club affected the future of the hotel again, as they had managed to get Asset of Community Value [ACV] status assigned to the building in 2015. This meant that community groups had up to 6 months to bid for the freehold before it went on the open market, and an independent group was set up to do just that. As it happened, Kirkstall Brewery, in association with the Brudenell Social Club put in a bid to preserve the building as a pub [which can negate the ACV] and the rest – is history!

The hotel is now thriving again, the drinks offering has made the bar popular once more, and as I said at the start there is now more to the place than just a bar and bedrooms. The first-floor function room is used by Otley Folk Club every Wednesday; there are also ad hoc live music concerts, and there is even a life drawing class on Thursdays. The stables yard is used for free film shows on the big screen through the summer, and an annual beer festival – not to mention one-off events like our own exhibition, which is where we started. So a final vote of thanks to Jen and the team for hosting our exhibition, with our best wishes for the Hotel long into the future.

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!! Remember, our only source of income previously has been our Premier Membership card, which offered discounts at local pubs and bars. We decided post-Covid that this was not in the best interest of our hard-working publicans to beg them for money off when finances were tight. Even more so now in the economic crisis we all face. So we have temporarily suspended the Card scheme.
All of the contributions have provided valuable funds (primarily to pay off long standing debt) 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 (except this month August when we will meet on Thursday 10th) 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 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: 10th August 2023. 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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