Hello, and a very special welcome to our new members – we now number 650+! The power of the pub is strong in Otley, and beyond!
Let’s hope things are finally getting back to some sort of normality, although, will things ever be the same? Some things will remain, for the better. Personally, I do like table service but also, would like the option to sit at the bar from time to time. I guess the extra resources that the pubs put into table service might kill that off, but the option of ordering via an app (ala Taps, Black Horse, Fleece) really works well. It could be the future?
How was you post-lockdown experience? Sod’s law that as soon as the pubs open up indoors, the sun comes out. At least we now have a choice and long may it continue, Boris. Yes, the facemask thing and sign-in thing is a pain, but c’mon, what’s the alternative? Let’s just play the game for a few weeks longer and we’ll soon be in the clear…..hopefully.
This month we have news of events in Otley to demonstrate that we can get back on our feet and provide the much needed income that both our retail and hospitality businesses need desperately. We have lost the Otley Show, Carnival and Victorian Fayre, but there’s still plenty to look forward to. There’s also our regular Pub News and Pub Events, plus a nice little And Finally piece.
OTLEY EVENTS
Otley Walking Festival 2021
This always wonderful event grows and gets better each year. This year launches a new Sonic Nature Trail – sounds great. Checkout the website for a programme of events and bookings, which are recommended for most walks. And don’t forget to quench your post-walk thirst in one of our legendary hostelries! And don’t forget the legendary 4 Pubs walk! And no, it’s not Junky, Rose & Crown, Bowling Green and North Bar!
From the Walking Festival Team:
“Planning for Otley Walking Festival 2021 is complete and subject to any Government restrictions the Walking Festival will go ahead as planned. Walking Festival Leaflets are available now at outlets in Otley including The Bookshop on the Square, Mounseys , Middlemiss Butchers and Otley Core. They will also be available at Cafes and Pubs around the town”
https://otleywalkingfestival.co.uk/
Otley Town Centre Cycle Races Wednesday, 30 Jun 2021
Always a fun evening and one of the busiest pub days/nights of the year.
The Otley Town Centre Races remain the most prestigious criteriums in the British racing calendar, with past winners including Mark Cavendish, Jeremy Hunt, Adam Blythe, Jonny Clay and Chris Walker.
Now in its 36th year, the race in 2021 is set to carry on the long tradition of world class racing in Otley for both men and women. Lots more here:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/237505/The-2021-LOGCO-Otley-Cycle-Races-
Otley Music Alliance (OMA) Otley Live Music Festival
Courtesy of The Wharfedale Observer:
“LIVE music is set to restart in Otley as a number of well-known venues in the town come together to launch a new venture. (OPC – well the music scene is already well under way but we’ll let them off)
The Otley Music Alliance (OPC – made up of local music venues and music enthusiasts) has been formed to bring live music back post-lockdown and promote the town as a live music destination. Currently, OMA comprises the Courthouse, the Black Horse, Woolpack Music Studios, the Rookery, Otley Taps, together with Otley Town Council and several community activists (OPC – Other venues and interested parties are welcome to get involved)
As it’s first initiative, OMA is organising a weekend of live music events called Otley Live running from Friday, July 30 to Sunday, August 1. There will be a mix of genres to appeal to all tastes and the organisers are keen to showcase local talent, especially young musicians. Further details on line-ups will be available soon on Otley Live social media (facebook, instagram, twitter) and the Visit Otley website. OMA is also talking to other venues to seek their involvement and investigating the possibility of outdoor performances.
A spokesperson for OMA said, “We are really excited about launching the Alliance and putting live music back at the centre of Otley’s cultural life. We think that we can achieve more working together than separately and really appreciate the financial support being provided by Otley Town Council for events at the Woolpack Music Studios. More information will be forthcoming soon, but we would ask music lovers to put the 30 July to 1 August (OPC – nicely timed to co-incide with Yorkshire Day!) in their diaries.”
While we’re on the subject of live music, where can you catch some in Otley? Of course watch out for Social Media advertising gigs, but regular events are on at Otley Tap House (don’t forget the new upstairs room) and The Manor and The Black Horse and soon, Rose & Crown.
Otley Folk Festival 17-19 September 2021
News 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/
Acts are already pencilled in and the organisers (David at Otley Courthouse and Jen at the Woolpack Studios) are now contacting local musicians to fill daytime slots
Always a wonderful experience for both performers and audiences – let’s hope all goes according to plan – fingers crossed – if you got any left uncrossed!
Otley Beer Festival 2021
Not the usual one venue event for obvious reasons, but it’s going ahead hopefully in a slightly different format. Big change this year: Otley’s great town pubs and bars will be hosting Festival beers in aid of @alzheimerssoc and @NSPCC
What, where and when will be tweeted and released on our various Social Media platforms, or you can give the guys a follow directly:
Twitter: @Otley_BeerFest
https://www.facebook.com/OtleyBeerFestival-185804381516715
As you can see the depth and quality of upcoming events is a real bonus for the town and the pubs. Let’s get out there and support the businesses and enjoy the summer!
PUB NEWS
Bay Horse
Dean and Jan are planning a re-opening w/c 21st June when the restrictions are “planned” to end, Boris permitting! It’ll be wonderful to see them open again!
Groove Pad
Good to hear that due to the success of the Otley bar, Groove Pad are branching out with a new venue in Shipley. Same great service and beers as in Orchard Gate, but also includes a daytime coffee shop, new vinyl record sales, and very much needed in the area, 5, yes 5 rehearsal rooms. Good luck to all concerned on the new venture. Of course, the Otley operation will continue to provide it’s excellent offerings.
Horse & Farrier
Market Town Taverns have been advertising jobs, but no opening date yet.
The Manor
Fantastic to see this Otley favourite open and trading again. Also great to see the live bands back on Saturday nights. No booking so get in early as it’s very popular!
PUB EVENTS
Black Horse
New menu as things begin to get back to normal. So, as well as their excellent pizzas, there’s also a small bites menu, plus lunchtime bagels…yum yum.
Sunday Lunches (“beautiful, locally sourced ingredients on the finest Roast Dinner”) are back 12pm to 7pm Please Book ahead 01943 465950
We’ve seen the upstairs room has been beautifully refurbished. Can’t wait to see it in full swing! And that screen in the beer garden! It’s huuuuge!
Friday 20th July see the legend that is Mik Artistik bring his Ego Trip tour to the Black Horse – tickets almost gone! The music scene in Otley of blooming once again – great stuff!
Fleece
Fantastic new lighting for those balmy summer evenings in the beer garden – looks great!
Opening times and food times here:
http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pubs-present/the-fleece
“Bookings (Call on 01943 514886 to book or email thefleeceotley@outlook.com)
Inside – you must reserve a table for dining. Walk-ins for drinks only but you cannot book a table.
Outside – no table bookings for meal and/or drinks – 1st come 1st served but we very rarely get full outside.
For dining inside, your table will be allocated for 2 AND A HALF HOURS but we will let your table go if more than 15 minutes late.
Last booking for food is 30 minutes before end of food service
We have made the changes to the above on customer feedback
Thanks again for all your support in the first 8 weeks of opening In & outside, it’s very much appreciated
Hopefully see you soon – team fleece
Groove Pad
Quiz nights back every Wednesday 8.30pm
Love the Groovy Blonde – 3.9% lovely session ale by the way!
Manor House
Saturday night live music is back. Check out their Facebook page, give them a “Like” and you’ll get news on the bands and times/dates.
https://www.facebook.com/themanorhouseotley
Opening times here: http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pubs-present/the-manor-house
Rose & Crown
New manager, Gareth has admitted to a really difficult opening period. Hopefully, word is spreading about his excellent quality beers, range of drink offerings and service. Sunday lunches will return 13th of June. There are plans for the return of the quiz night plus live music gigs Fridays in July (listed as easy listening folk music). And don’t forget the wonderfully laid out sun trap that is the beer garden! Let’s get down and support our newest publican!
Beware of older/out of date Facebook sites for R&C there are a few! This is the one: https://www.facebook.com/Rose-Crown-Otley-101447148753553
Tap House
Live gigs really taking off. Fri, Sat & Sun – check out their events page and give them a “Like” on Facebook for up to the minute notices.
https://www.facebook.com/otleytaps
Why not enjoy one of their awesome burgers while you’re at it!
Order drinks and/or food via their app and get discounts…and more!
STOP PRESS: Just caught me before publishing! 2 great drinks offers from the team at Taps:
2 for £10 on all double rums, gins and mixers – All day Sun to Thurs
Return of the Ale Club – Mon to Thurs 12-5pm – all pints of cask ales are £2.50 each
Whitakers Arms
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
White Swan
Looking lovely. Good selection of drinks. Kitchen refurbished with a view to supplying a full menu later in the year. And if you haven’t checked the beer garden yet – it’s brilliant!
Yew Tree
We will be serving delicious home cooked food Friday and Saturday 5 til 8pm and Sunday 12 til 4pm. Booking recommended, call 01943 461330 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!
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
The OPC Committee re-convened this month in the Rose & Crown for the first time in….well you know. It was great to welcome 2 new committee members in Glen Miller and Matt Collins – fantastic to have you on board guys and looking forward to some new vibrant ideas! Lots of discussions took place on the current status of the pubs, and how we can promote even more business – of which much more later this year. We also discussed the Premier Membership scheme. Remember? Discount at pubs and bars? Well, we’ve decided that now is probably not the time to ask for 50p off a pint from our hard-pressed publicans. With that in mind we’ve temporarily suspended the scheme with a view to a relaunch when appropriate.
If you have forgotten the format of our meetings, the committee meet at a different pub every month – usually the first Thirstday of the month. This is then followed by an OPC social from 8pm where all members are invited to join us on a mini 3 pub tour of the town for the rest of the evening to discuss all things Otley Pubs and anything else you want really. Just an opportunity for you to meet the committee and also perhaps visit pubs that you might not have tried recently. It would be great to meet our membership in person and hear your thoughts. Venues and times will be posted on our Social Media platforms nearer the time. Give us a follow to stay in touch:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otleypubclub
Twitter: @OtleyPubClub
Insta: otley_pub_club
And Finally…
It was lovely to welcome Mr Gerard Ottley to Otley over the Bank Holiday weekend. He travelled up solo from Horsham in West Sussex and lodged in Leeds City Centre on the Friday (which he admitted was a big mistake!) and then stayed 2 nights at the Chevin End Guest House. He gave it and the owners rave reviews. Gerry said “Chevin End Guest House was exceptional. I loved the room, fantastic views, lovely outside seating area and amazing welcome. I’d like to give special thanks to Nicky and Darren, for looking after me with lifts and taxis – I will be back!” . We toured the town on Saturday and Sunday – visiting a good number of pubs. He left sporting his Otley Pub Club T-shirt and has since ordered (from the excellent https://www.wharfembroidery.co.uk/ No.8 Market Place) a similarly embroidered baseball cap and sweatshirt – they’ll be in the post soon Gerry!
We’ll certainly give him another huge Otley welcome when he returns in September. And it was his birthday on 1st June – Happy Birthday Gerry!
Well that’s it for this month folks. Things are getting better, but remember, wear your facemask – keep socially distanced – wash your hands – sign-in as required. Please be patient and courteous with our wonderful Publicans and their staff, other customers, and together we will get through this.
Stay safe, enjoy the summer and we’ll see you all around and about in our #FamousPubTown!
The OPC Committee
