Hello folks, and a very warm November welcome to our new subscribers.
It appears the outside drinking areas are becoming the haunts of only
the hardiest of souls as the rest of us seek out the chimneys emanating
signs of inner warmth being generated! Which of our pubs has got the
best fire? I’m sure we’ve all got our favourites. Maybe, a poll is in
order?
Let’s get this out of the way. Of course, Covid is still with us and
cases are still rising. We can still all do our bit with hand sanitising
(is that with us forever? probably) and social distancing. Facemasks
are still optional, but many people still choose to wear them and why
not if it gives you the confidence to go out and about?
Now….
On the eve of Halloween, a group of 20 intrepid ghost hunters went on a
‘Haunted Hike’ round Otley, visiting 4 pubs on the way. Otley Pub Club
teamed up with a new group called ‘Pub Wanderers’, whose mission is to
devise interesting walks in and around Otley, which involve visiting
pubs on the way. Sometimes the walks will include story-telling, like
the one about ‘the lost pubs of Otley’. Sometimes they might even
involve dressing up, like a ‘Santas Stroll’ in December, or a ‘Pantomime
Perambulation’ in January. (Just as long as I’m not the back end of a
pantomime horse!) At other times they might just head out of town for a
few miles, pausing at some country pubs on the way – a bit like the ‘4
pubs walk’ in Otley Walking Festival.
Anyway, back to the Haunted Hike! It started at Shadow Brewing’s new tap
room bar on Boroughgate, opposite the maypole, where those with nerves
of steel visited the ghostly flat above the bar, abandoned for half a
century or more! A story of real ghost sightings at the Horse and
Farrier was followed by a stirring tale of the murder and decapitation
of a women outside the Junction. Then after a trip through the Parish
Church grounds to visit the alleged grave of John Wesley’s horse, and
fighting off a goblin attack in Church Lane, the group settled down for
the final stories and a well-earned pint in The Black Horse. Those with
an iron constitution then went off for a curry on the way home, and to
plan further mayhem on future walks.
It was great scary fun, and we’re looking forward already to our next
collaboration. All suggestions welcome, by the way – just email or
message the Pub Club – and if you fancy joining the Pub Wanderers, we’ll
let you know when they’re meeting up next (in a pub, of course!) to
discuss future events.
Thanks to Lucy for having the initial idea of a Pub Wanderers group, and
to her and Vicky and Rob for organising the ‘Hike’ and preparing and
presenting the stories.
Watch out for future themed walks!
Onto the main body of the newsletter. You’ll find Upcoming Events, Pub
News and Pub Events. In our And Finally section you’ll be reading about a
party invite and our AGM!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Otley Beer Festival 2021
Remember OBF is independent of the Pub Club, but we are more than happy
to join with them in announcing that there WILL be a beer festival in
Otley this year. Not the same format as past years with a single venue,
but now spread throughout the town’s pubs and bars – OBF 2021 on Tour!.
It will begin on Friday 26th Nov and will continue until the beers run
out! Remember, as always, this is a charity-based event and this year
all the money raised from generous sponsors and supporters (You!) will
go to Alzheimer’s Society and the NSPCC.
Keep you eyes peeled for more news.
OBF Facebook is: https://www.facebook.com/OtleyBeerFestival-185804381516715
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 2022
Again a bit far in the future, and again not really our story to tell.
But as there were two people at the Otley Pub Club October meeting who
had just joined the carnival committee, and who reported that there was
likely to be a carnival again in 2022, we think that’s good news that we
can all enjoy!
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. An initial meeting has taken place at Groove Pad Otley. Any
interested people can email us at otleypridels21@icloud.com or
alternatively message our Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/prideotley “
PUB NEWS
We’re still noticing that opening times are varying depending on time of
day and footfall. Please check beforehand with the pub if you are
making a special journey or meeting friends. It’s difficult for us to
keep a definitive list of opening times, we try our best, so please be
patient and remember, with all the great venues at our disposal, there’s
nearly always an alternative!
Tapas & Tunes (Corner of Mercury Row and Kirkgate)
Is it a pub? Is it a bar? It certainly sounds exciting. Another food and
music venue to be added to our already wonderful offerings. Can’t wait
for opening night.
Shadow Brewing (Opposite Maypole – just along from Taps and White Swan)
Not been in yet? Go and say hello to Ian (tell him OPC sent you!) and
sample his wonderful beers. Ian tells us he has a full licence but for
now still limited weekend openings (6pm to 10pm Fri & Sat)
PUB EVENTS
Bay Horse
The Bay Horse Bazaar is a local makers and street food market, with Live
Music, situated in the Bay Horse Court and will take place on the last
Sunday of each month, and unlike the farmer’s Market every Sunday in
December! Hot drinks available!!
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
Brand new to Otley – Outdoor Cinema throughout December showing
Christmas Films for free! Saturday 4th, 11th and 18th Dec there will be 2
film shows in the beer garden, (which is now again fully covered) at
1pm and 4pm
“December calls for Christmas films! We’ve got Festive Hot drinks,
free popcorn, warm blankets, heaters, and delicious winter snacks! So
wrap up and join us for holiday fun!”
Check out their Facebook page for film listings details: https://www.facebook.com/BlackHorseOtley
Also, a first I think, Otley Life drawing every Thursday 6.30pm til 9pm.
All abilities welcome from beginners to more experienced artists. £7
per person. Contact otleylifedrawing@gmail.com for more info.
Big Quiz 1st Weds of the month @ 8pm (£1 per person, max 6/team, winning prize £30 bar tab)
Don’t forget the rooms have been beautifully refurbished and are now
available for your family and friends to come and stay in town. Call in,
ring 01943 465950 or email on booking@theblackhorseotley.co.uk for
prices and availability.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thurs: midday to 11pm
Fri & Sat: midday to 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Fleece
New offers:
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
The Fleece also tell us they are fully booked on Christmas Day and so closed for walk-ins.
Opening Hours:
Mon & Tues: Closed
Weds – Sat: 11.30am – 10.30pm (food: 12 – 8.45pm)
Sun: 11.30pm – 6.30pm (food: 12 – 5pm)
Also a date for your dairy: The Fleece will be closed from Monday 3rd
January 2022 and reopen on Wednesday 12th January 2022 at 11.30am
Groove Pad
Great to see live music back on here – keep your eyes peeled for future events
Don’t forget Quiz Night every Weds 8.30pm (£20 Groove Pad gift voucher up for grabs)
Opening hours:
Mon: Closed
Tues – Thurs: 2pm – 11.30pm
Fri – Sun: midday – 11.30pm
Horse & Farrier
Great to see the H&F getting some good food (a great menu by the
way) and drink business. Their 4 beautifully restored bedrooms are open
for Bed&Breakfast. Pop in or call 01943 468400 for prices and
availability.
Opening Hours:
Mon – Weds: Midday to 10pm
Thurs – Sat: Midday to 11pm
Sun: Midday to 10.30pm
Junction
Live music continues 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
And of course, the legendary fire!
Open from midday to 11pm every day
Manor House
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.
North Bar
Welcome to new Assistant Manager, Matt. Hopefully got his feet well and
truly under the table by now. Why not pop in and say hello?
Open from midday every day and closes at 11pm, except for Friday and Saturday (midnight) and Sunday (10pm)
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
Open 11am to 11pm every day
Otley Tap House
Ale Club – Remember you can get some cracking cask ale pints for £2.50 12-5pm Monday to Thursday.
Quiz every Tues @ 8.15pm (50p per person – £95 in gift cards to be won), plus Play Your Cards Right (£1 to play – cash jackpot)
And don’t forget the Burgers, or the live sport on the huge screen!
Mondays Burger Offer:
Any single burger, fries and drink £8.45
175ml wine (excluding Prosecco)
Any single spirit and/or mixer
Any pint of beer or cider
Any large soft drink
Any bottled beer or cider.
Offer available 12.00 – 21:30
Live acoustic music continues this Sunday 7th November with Joe Gallagher from 5pm
Otley Tavern
Food suspended for the time being – hoping to restart in the new year.
Quiz Wednesdays
Karaoke Sundays 5pm to 10pm (incl. Bingo!)
Live Saturday night music plus DJs.
Big screen sports available
Great drinks 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 –
Brilliant!
Red Lion
Big screen sports. Also, free pool every Weds 5pm onwards
Roebuck
The Festive menus are flying out and the booking are coming in just as quick!
If your planning a works Christmas meal, family or friends pre-Christmas
gathering then they’ve got some great menus for you! Available
throughout December till 23rd (excluding Sundays)
For more information give us a call on 01943 463063
Opening hours:
Closed on Monday during the winter
Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 to 22:00
Sunday – 11:00 to 20:00
Rookery
Upcoming Events include The Dunwells live – returning for their annual
Christmas show Monday Dec 27th 7pm til late, and also, Mark Morriss of
The Bluetones live Feb 26th at 7pm
Also, watch out for confirmation of the re-scheduled Tom Hingley gig in January.
Check out events on their F’book site: https://www.facebook.com/therookerybar
Opening hours: Daily 4pm to Midnight, except Saturday open at Midday
Rose & Crown
Sunday lunches (serving 12-4pm) are flying out and for every paying
adult, a child eats free for pre booked tables (must be booked before
Sunday)
Also offering collection of take away afternoon tea provided fresh each morning by cakes by Antoinette.
These include a selection of fresh sandwiches and savouries
3 different cakes
Scone. clotted cream jam
Fresh fruit and lots of little extras.
We also provide children’s afternoon tea take away.
And children’s lunch boxes.
Tea for 2 £25
Children’s tea for 2 £20
Children’s lunch box £7
Please note all afternoon tea orders need to be placed by Saturday morning for collection Sunday before 12pm.
Royalty
No bonfire this year unfortunately, but do have a lovely set menu for
bonfire night to feast on whilst watching the numerous fireworks
displays in the distance!
We do still have some availability for tables so be quick and book you table if you are planning on dining with us.
Also, new Autumn/Winter menus are out.
View the new menus here: https://the-royalty.co.uk/menus/
Book your table today: https://togo.uk.com/makeBookingv2?venueid=890&nv=true
Open Midday to 7pm daily, except Saturday open at 11.30am
Whitaker’s Arms
Who hasn’t tried the signature Steak Pie yet? You don’t know what you’re missing!
Home cooked food served daily 12pm-4pm (Closed all day Wednesdays)
Thurday 8pm Quiz Night – £1 per person to enter & the winning team takes the Pot
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 returns Sat 4th Dec, plus regular karaoke/DJ nights soon. Keep your eyes peeled to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whitakersotley
White Swan
First Wednesday of the month = Night Quiz at 7.30pm – Cash prizes available (£1 entry per person)
Opening times are 12pm till 11pm everyday
Great to see even more live acoustic music returning to Otley – Friday 3rd December it’s Imogen Hey – check out the events: https://www.facebook.com/The-White-Swan-Otley-102190998856070
Our good friend Jason tells us that the kitchen refurb is complete. Expect food offerings beginning in December
Yew Tree
Excited to announce a Christmas Fair on Sat 27th Nov. 2-6pm
FREE ENTRY!!!! If you’d like to book a stall it is £8, and all proceeds go to Moorview Dog Rescue.
To book a stall ring 01943461330 or message via FBook: https://www.facebook.com/yewtreeotley/?fref=ts
Quiz on 7.30pm Sunday and the first Tuesday in the month 8pm til 9pm.
Don’t forget the amazing food
Thursday (12-2pm) Seniors lunch £4.95 inc a drink (draught ale, soft drink or tea/coffee)
Sunday carvery (12.30 – 4pm) £8.95
Message via Fbook, or ring 01943 461330 to book a table
https://www.facebook.com/yewtreeotley
Phew!
As usual, there is so much news that we can’t really cram it all in –
live music, great food and drink, karaoke and open mics, sport on TV and
so much more in the pubs of our #famouspubtown!
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!
And Finally….
We at Otley Pub Club missed out on our big 10 year anniversary party, so
we hope to re-scheule for the New Year, where we might include our AGM,
to which you will all of course be invited. There are a couple of
Committee positions open and we’d love you get get involved and fill
them. Remember, we are a purely volunteer Community-based club, with the
main aim of promoting all of Otley’s great drinking establishments. The
only qualification you need is to be enthusiastic about our
#FamousPubTown. More details as we get them finalised. Stay tuned.
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…
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 8 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 2nd December 2021 – put the date in your calendar.
Venues and times will be advertised through our usual social media
outlets nearer the time.
Cheers for now. See you all out and about in our #FamousPubTown
The OPC Committee
www.otleypubclub.co.uk
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otleypubclub
Twitter: @OtleyPubClub
Insta: otley_pub_club
