Welcome to the June edition of the Otley Pub Club newsletter. And a special welcome to our new subscribers.
Well, what a great weekend that was! Hopefully the weather didn’t deter you, your families and friends from having a wonderful time. Perhaps you found time to have a drink down in the town in “The Jubilee Arms”? Despite some negativity (?), it was wonderful to see the pub sings up (Thanks again Bob, Rob, Matt and co!) adding to the pubs’ own decorations to make a great atmosphere.
It’s a shame the weather wasn’t kind on the Sunday, but there were plenty of events, offers, gigs etc in our local bars and pubs to get shelter!
The Otley Music festival crept under our radar before publication (apologies), but from reports the events at both the Parish Church for Friday and Saturday, and Sunday at the Horse & Farrier were well attended with some fantastic acts – all proceeds to Otley Parish Church’s “Local to Global” Charity, an excellent cause so well done to all.
2 sad items of pub news to report this month unfortunately, but still plenty of things going on in our #FamousPubTown
We’ve got the usual categories of Otley Events, Pub News, Pub Events and our “And Finally” piece – which over the months has been a miscellany of topics. which will now showpiece Pub of the Month – see below. Here we go….
OTLEY EVENTS
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 new Carnival Committee are in desperate need of funds to keep this FREE event running – many people seem to think the Carnival Fairy turns up every year with a pocket full of cash – THIS IS NOT THE CASE – Nor do Leeds City Council contribute – the event can only go ahead through donations, stall-holders, collections etc. With that in mind, 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 or a coffee will help tremendously. Here’s the link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/otleycarnival?utm_term=xZKBW5M4V
Thank You
Otley Steam Punk Weekend 16/17th June
If you’ve not witnessed this sort of event before, please go along a have a look around town. It’s brilliant! Hopefully, some much needed income to our town’s beleaguered businesses. Fingers crossed the weather is kind!
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. Watch their social media pages for the next event.
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
Plans well under way for what promises to be another excellent event this year. Friday 29th to Sunday 31st July 2022 – A whole weekend of live music in Otley. Currently 10 Venues and 50+ bands/artists. Be sure to block the weekend off in your diary and watch out for more details on 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.
Otley Pride 2022
Unfortunately, this year’s event has had to be postponed. Hopefully, it’ll be up and running next year!
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 Walking Festival 25thJune to 3rd July 2022
The extensive programme is out now. Check it out on-line here:
https://otleywalkingfestival.co.uk/2020-festival-events/ , or you can pick a programme up in many pubs plus the Library, The Core, Bookshop on the Square, Otley Courthouse.
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
We’ve got to report 2 major news events.
Firstly, as we are sure you’ve heard, Thwaites have decided to put the Manor House up for sale. Being under our Asset of Community Value, they cannot sell for 6 weeks after the sale notice. This 6 week period gives local community groups, interest groups, breweries etc. the opportunity to register their interest to buy. Having registered an interest, any prospective buyers then have a further 6 months to come up with the bid. It’s a great shame that we could possibly lose this gem of a pub. We cannot bid ourselves, but Otley Pub Club will gladly help in the process. Get in touch at info@otleypubclub.co.uk
Finally on the Manor, OPC would like to extend their gratitude to David and Eileen for the many years of service they’ve given to the Otley public. Great memories of mighty craic and wonderful music nights will remain part of Otley’s folklore, I’m sure. We wish them both, and their family, the very best of luck with their next venture and hopefully see them around Otley in the future.
On another sad note, it was a great shame to lose the Groove Pad. They tried something innovative and refreshing in the town. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out long term, but it was a blast while it lasted! Thanks to Debbi and the team, and good luck up at Groove Pad Shipley!
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
Black Horse
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
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!”
Also, also, Get Booking! The Queen’s Jubilee Afternoon Tea 2nd to 5th June 2022 @ £12p per person – bookings only.
Bowling Green
Enjoying the new extension? Looking great inside and out. And don’t forget to spend your CAMRA vouchers!
Cross Pipes (Otley’s newest Freehouse!)
Re-opening soon after re-furbishment.
Fleece
Temporary Closure due to holidays – will re-open Weds 15th June at 11.30am
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
Groove Pad
Very sad news on the closure. Here’s a note from our friends at GP:
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that this Saturday, Groove Pad Otley will close its doors for the very last time. Due to a massive rent increase from our landlord it will make it not worthwhile carrying on. We will take away some fantastic memories with us, and feel very privileged to have been a part of the Otley community. Team Groove Pad would like to thank all our amazing customers for the support over the last 3 and a half years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to serve each and every one of you.
Much love from Team Groove Pad.”
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.
Bar Hours:
Mon to Weds: Midday – 10pm
Thurs to Sat: Midday – 11pm
Sunday: Midday – 10:30pm
Food times:
Mon – Thurs: Midday – 8pm
Fri & Sat: Midday – 9pm
Sun: Midday – 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.
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
And of course, the legendary fire!
Open from midday to 11pm every day
Manor
The Manor as mentioned above is up for sale but continues trading until 3rd July. Let’s send them off with a bang!
A message from David & Eileen:
“It is with mixed feelings that we announce that we have decided that our time at the manor house Otley has come to an end!
After 9 great years, after making many great friends and memories our path has now taken a different turn and marks the beginning of a new chapter for us in a totally different sector.
We have decided to focus our full attention on our self storage and logistics facility in West Yorkshire which has grown and developed into a full blown business in its own right.
It has been hard making the decision and after months of discussions with Thwaites to buy the freehold of Manor House we now feel it wouldn’t be right for us or our plans going forward.
The Manor has been our home for what seems a lifetime now but it was time to make a decision and we have.
Thwaites have now decided in turn to sell the freehold of the premises and not look for new tenants but we hope a new freeholder might purchase the Manor and bring new life back into it!
We want to thank all our customers for their support over the years and will spend the next few weeks meeting everyone for a goodbye drink.
Our last weekend will be the 2nd & 3rd of July, see you all and let’s make it the last bash!”
Fridays 16:00 – 01:00 (Open mic nights from 8.30)
Saturdays 14:00 – 01:00 (Music from 9pm)
Sundays 16:00 – 00:30.
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 – loving the new outside setup! Can’t wait for the warmer evenings!
https://www.facebook.com/NorthBarSocial
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
Red Lion
Under new management. Welcome to Otley folks.
Roebuck
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
https://www.facebook.com/therookerybar
Rose & Crown
More changes afoot we believe. We’ll update you as soon as we know more.
Royalty
New Al Fresco area coming soon. Work has begun on a new outdoor seating area. Plus, opening 14th June, The View at The Royalty – it’s a new Breakfast and Lunch takeaway cabin in the car park!
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/
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
https://www.facebook.com/theroyaltyotley
Shadow Brewing
Tap Room talks continue monthly, where on alternate Wednesdays, single males and females can get together for some friendly chat and generally pass the time.
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
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
Check out events on their Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/theotleytav
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 regular 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.
All the big screen sports are on!
Open daily Midday to 11pm
A message from our friends at The Swan:
“Due to Arturo’s Taco’s at The White Swan – Otley furthering his career and opening his own restaurant. We regret to inform everyone that we will be taking a short break from serving food.
If anyone is interested in applying for the chef’s position, please email the_white_swan_otley@outlook.com
Or alternatively drop a CV in behind the bar.”
Yew Tree
Father’s Day carvery ( Midday to 5pm) is always very popular, so get booking now 01943 461330 or message via Facebook, plus a free gift for all dads!
Coming soon is a monthly Kids Disco and there are regular DJ + 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….PUB/BAR of the Month. This month:
The Jubilee Arms
Hopefully you had a chance to visit this wonderful place. An extraordinary variety of drinks were present. With a variety of local Otley (and beyond!) characters offering a great service!
Seriously, we hoped you enjoyed the weekend. You will recall Otley Pub Club held a pub-naming competition. Amongst the hundreds of entries, some were humorous, very humorous, and some downright awful! The Pub Club selected a short list from which the winner was selected by our new mayor Linda Hoare. The winning entrant will be contacted shortly and be in receipt of a prize. Thanks to all that took part!
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 Pub Club Social: Thursday 7th July 2022. It will be up at The Roebuck. A lovely walk on a summer’s evening, a lovely patio (weather permitting!) and some lively Otley pub chat from 8pm onwards. Look forward to seeing as many of your there as possible!
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
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