Welcome to the March edition of the Otley Pub Club newsletter. And a special welcome to our new subscribers.
Apologies for our no-show in February. Work commitments didn’t allow enough time for the prep, but hopefully we’ll catch up.
We hope you’ve handled the storms as best as possible. I think we got
off quite mildly considering what went on in the rest of the country,
but of course, if you were flooded out, you have our sympathies.
Great to see our local pubs and bars thriving through Dryanuary, or
whatever you want to call it. Hopefully our alcohol-free beer tasting
event (more below) gave you some options in that you don’t have to drink
alcohol to support our great venues. The boom in low and alco-free
beers/lagers/spirits is great in advertising the pub venue is for all
tastes!
Otley Pub Club Zero-Alcohol Beer Tasting Evening
On Thursday 27th January we held a successful Zero Alcohol Beer Tasting
evening at The Rookery hosted by Luke Raven of Ilkley Brewery.
The tasting evening, the first such event we have seen advertised
before, was both enjoyable and informative, trying a wide range of zero-
alcohol beers with expert guidance and information on how such beers
are made from Luke, who is well known as a beer evangelist, but also as
someone who is really promoting awareness of zero-alcohol beer and the
increasing quality and choice now out there.
Everyone there said they had a great time and gave their verdict on
which beers they would be happy to buy and drink in future. Some beers
proved universally popular, others divided opinion, but all attendees
went away realising that there was a far greater choice of such beers
available, including increasingly in pubs, including here in Otley. We
hope, partly as a result of this evening, this will prove to be even
more the case!
The Rookery made an excellent venue, and we thank Greg and team for
hosting and providing the glasses and PA system and we also thank
Ridgeside Brewery, who were kind enough to give us two of their beers to
try for free. We especially thank Luke of Ilkley Brewery for giving up
the whole evening, supplying two beers for free and being such an
engaging host.
We will be looking into another such event next year, possibly even on a
bigger scale and involving draft alcohol-free beer too!
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! Their first public event was an
evening Halloween walk round Otley last year in fancy dress, calling in
at pubs to hear stories of actual hauntings and murders, and their next
town walk will be an Easter bonnet parade on Easter Sunday 17th April. But in February they went a bit further afield and invited anyone else who was interested to join them.
On Saturday February 12th, they led a circular 8 mile walk
from the Buttercross in Otley Market Square to The Hermit Inn in Burley
Woodhead via The Menston Arms.
But it was more than just a walk! At The Hermit they heard the story of
Job Senior, the Hermit who the pub is named after, and a poem about his
life was read by the Otley Town Poet, Matthew Hedley Stoppard. There was
also a loud and lively performance in the car park by Wharfedale
Wayzgoose Border Morris Troupe, who will be familiar to many of you in
Otley.
To emphasise the inclusivity of Otley Pub Walkers, children and dogs
were welcome, and were included in the group of 15 who walked at least
as far as The Hermit (where some of the group decided to arrange a lift
back!) The beer at both pubs was great, and the chips and pizza at The
Hermit were fabulous (but maybe that’s why some people didn’t walk
back!)
Otley Pub Walkers don’t charge for any of their events, and they are
open to all comers. The Easter walk will be a very short stroll round
the town centre, and they are planning an Easter bonnet competition with
Easter-themed prizes. 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 EVENTS
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!
Again, a bit far in the future, and again not really our story to tell.
OPC is 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
Many thanks are given to the outgoing Committee for all their help and guidance.
Otley Pride 2022
Again, not directly pub related, but could/should bring in a lot of extra business into town. A message from the OP 2022 team:
“A small group of Otley folk have come together with a vision of
holding an Otley Pride in 2022. We now need some dedicated people to
join us to form an Otley Pride Committee to create our first Pride
event. Initial meetings have taken place. Any interested people can
email us at otleypridels21@icloud.com or alternatively message our
Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/prideotley “
Things are moving on at a pace with an enthusiastic group of volunteers
getting the wheels in motion. They still need help, and you can get
involved by using the above contacts.
The date has been set for July 16th, 2022.
More from Dan at OP via their Facebook page “We’ve been
playing with the idea of having a monthly social, Sunday afternoon
perhaps, whereby local community members come together and have a coffee
or a pint together and we’d run a raffle or small auction just as a
little extra fundraising.
To get a feel for how people would feel about this and potential numbers, please drop a like or comment to show your interest.”
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
We had a visit from our friends at Leeds CAMRA recently, who awarded The Old Cock Pub of the Month for December 2021. Also on the agenda was a visit to The Black Horse
to award the belated Most Improved Pub of The Year 2019. We trust
everyone had a great time around and about in our #FamousPubTown. We
believe they attempted to visit every pub in the town! No doubt we’ll be
hearing how the day went!
In the Wharfedale Observer, Pub of the Week was …. The always fantastic Whitakers Arms.
Nice article, and if the WO took the text from our Whitakers Arms
History page, then you’re welcome! This follows on from earlier in Feb
when the scenic Royalty was selected and January when the Roebuck was featured.
Bowling Green (Wetherspoons) is still temporarily
closed. Due to re-open on March 15 after a £1.5 million refurbishment
with various charity events during the day to raise money for Young
Lives vs Cancer. Events will include a family quiz, raffles and markets
stalls in the beer garden.
PUB EVENTS
Bay Horse
Despite rumours to the contrary, Bay Horse remained fully open during recent roof repairs. Apologies to all that we perpetuated the misinformation.
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 to Sunday: Midday to close
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)
We want Artists, Vendors and Stall Holders for our “Stables Print & Craft Fair”
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, due to re-open 15th March
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!”
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.
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.
Thursday Match 17th from 2pm – ST. Patrick’s Festival. Complimentary Food and Drinks promotion will be on offer.
“We will have Irish dancing, Traditional Irish music sessions (4-7pm) and Mick Shaleighly Irish Band (8pm til late) to finish off the night not forgetting Eileen’s famous Irish Stew with plenty of Guinness and Jameson offers on the day! It’s been 2 years so let’s make it a memorable one!”
Remember the Trad Irish music sessions are also on the 1st Sunday of the month from around 2pm
North Bar
Following the success of our alcohol-free beer tasting event (see above piece), or just heard about it, you’ll be interested to know that North Bar Social stock a range all year round. Currently featuring beers from BRULO, Erdinger, North Brewing Co and Jever.
Open from midday every day and closes at 11pm, except for Friday and Saturday (midnight) and Sunday (10pm)
Old Cock
The recent Cumbrian (mini) beer festival was brilliant. Hopefully you got along to sample some of the Lake District’s finest!
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
As well as showing us their 5/5 Food Hygiene Rating from the Food Standards Agency (many congrats!), they’re reminding us all that 27th March is Mother’s Day and they usually get very busy.
“Thought about Mothers Day yet??
Why not treat her to a meal at The Roebuck??
Remember to book early!! 01943 463063”
Rookery
Early warning for regular comedy nights at The Rookery
Shoe Cake Comedy are back in Otley, starting on Saturday April 2nd. With 3 stand-up comedians plus Award Winning Headline Act: THE DISCOUNT COMEDY CHECKOUT
More details in upcoming newsletters before April, but tickets are already available from Eventbrite here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/252377526977 and more details about the event are on the Shoe Cake Comedy Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shoecakecomedy
Rose & Crown
Full lunch menu available all week – call Wayne on 01943 850180 or why not pop in for a look!
Royalty
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday: Midday to 7pm
Sunday: Midday to 6pm
Last bookings 15mins before closing time
Special Offer Mon to Fri (all day) 2 meals and a bottle of wine £34.95
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:
www.facebook.com/shadowbrewing
Read the full Leeds Live article here:
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/new-leeds-microbrewery-throwing-open-22815664?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar
Tap House
Ale Club Midday to 5pm Mon to Thurs. All pints of cask ale are £2.50
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 £8.45.
Quiz Night every Tues at 8.15pm (incl Play your cards right jackpot now over £270)
1st Place – £50 Otley Burger Co Voucher
2nd Place – £20 Bar Tab
3rd Place – £15 O’Fresh Voucher
Picture Round – £10 O’Deli Voucher
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
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.
Yew Tree
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 publicans 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….
Otley Pub Club needs your help!
We are immediately in need of a Treasurer to manage our modest accounts,
and also a web-developer who can assist us in getting the most out our
“Word-Press” based website. Both roles would be done on a voluntary
basis. You really would be helping our community-based operation. If you
love Otley and it’s pubs, then please get in touch
info@otleypubclub.co.uk
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.
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 3rd March (tonight!) 2022. As it’s
tonight here’s the details: Our first stop for the general social is at
the White Swan from around 8pm, then a stumble next door to the Otley
Taps (from 8.45pm) and our final port of call for the evening will be
the Black Bull 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
www.otleypubclub.co.uk
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