Welcome to the October (brhhhh!) edition of the Otley Pub Club newsletter. And a special welcome to our new subscribers. Apologies for the late edition this month.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to grab the last vestiges of afternoon sunshine, you’ve done very well. Time to wrap up warm with hats and coats. Just a coat mind – not coat-coat weather just yet! Our attention will soon be shifting to those warm and toasty interiors – Oh how sad to see The Manor House and it’s legendary fire unavailable to us!
Last month was a busy month around our #FamousPubTown.
Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza 2022 was blessed by good weather and good crowds. Hopefully attendees took refreshment in town before, during or after the event!
Otley Folk Festival 2022 sponsored by the https://www.cravenbrew.co.uk/
Although not all pubs participated, there was a good number of ticketed and free sessions around town on the weekend. Hopefully, this event can grow even further in coming years. There really is some fantastic talent around. Keep an eye out for Otley Folk Club’s brilliant guest nights – see below
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?
Look out for news on the Manor House. A community bid is being assembled. See more details below, and why not get involved?
We’ve got the usual categories this month of Otley Events, Pub News, Pub Events and our “And Finally” piece includes another Pub of the Month. Here we go….
OTLEY EVENTS
OTLEY FOLK CLUB
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!
October and November dates and acts (subject to confirmation):
Oct
19th Dave Vermond
26th Singers Night
Nov
2nd The Hall Brothers
9th Singers Night
16th The Hebble Band
23rd Singers Night
30th Grannys Attic
Dec
14th Katie Spencer
OTLEY BEER FESTIVAL 2022
We’re super excited to see that our good friends at OBF have set the date for this year’s event – 25th-26th November 2022. Having already raised over £110,000 for local charities, this event remains a stalwart on the Otley event scene. After last year’s successful, On-Tour event, this year sees a combination of both fixed venue (to be confirmed) and also, participation from our local pubs. More info as soon as we hear.
Check out https://www.otleybeerfestival.co.uk/
Or email nic@otleybeerfestival.co.uk
Otley Victorian Christmas Fayre 2022
Yet more great news. The Victorian Fayre returns on Sunday 4th December 2022. Always a great day for the town. Be sure to put the date in your diary!
A message from the OVCF Facebook team:
“I can now confirm that there will be a parade around the Fayre at approximately 4.15pm. At the head will be some of the band members of Leeds Pipe Band, followed by Wayzgoose and the White Rose Yorkshire Steam Punks in all their amazing costumes.”
This year will again include the Otley Pub Club Victorian Alehouse competition where we will be inviting our local hostelries to dress in Victorian costume to compete for the magnificent Elise Brumfitt Trophy. Past years have really seen our pubs get into the spirit of the day and the competition (we have photographic evidence!) – hopefully we can get a good number involved again in providing entertainment, seasonal food, mulled wine/cider, mince pies etc – we will be in touch to see who’s in!
You can follow the build-up on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otleyvictorianchristmasfayre
PUB NEWS
Cross Pipes
Otley’s latest Freehold pub is currently undergoing refurbishment. Watch this space for more news on potential opening date
Manor House
OK, so we know that The Manor House pub has been put up for sale by owners Thwaites. It’s unfortunate that, for insurance purposes, Thwaites have had to put up steel shutters over the windows and doors making it look unsightly and not very attractive to the any potential buyers. But unavoidable I guess.
Remember 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
A message from Lisa of the Project team:
“The Otley Community Pub project is forging ahead with rescuing the Manor House Pub in Otley and now has a Steering Group. We have had conversations with previous tenants and people who have worked or are still working in the pub trade and those who run community pubs who are keen to lend their knowledge and expertise with us. We still need volunteers to help with some of the roles and would welcome anyone with any time or special skills to offer. We are specifically looking for people with experience in accounting, marketing, fund raising to add to our existing team. Also, of course, anyone who is available and enthusiastic about saving this traditional pub and creating a unique community resource for our lovely town. Any offers of funding would also be happily accepted. There will be an open meeting on Wednesday 26th October 2022 at 7pm at a venue in an Otley town centre venue to be confirmed, to show support for the venture and to discuss our plans.
The Group are receiving some non-financial support from a company called the Plunkett Foundation, who specialise in advice for setting up community pubs (https://plunkett.co.uk/how-we-help/) Hopefully they will be in attendance at the next open meeting on 26th October to check progress.
Also, a very successful Community Pub project, The Puzzle Hall in Sowerby Bridge (https://www.puzzlehall.org.uk/) will hopefully send a representative to speak about how their project was able to succeed in a town with a very similar pub demographic as Otley. Another successful Community project has occurred at The Fox and Goose (https://foxandgoose.org/) , Hebden Bridge – again a Yorkshire town with many exiting pubs – similar to Otley.
There are many other examples around the country where pubs are saved, not just because they are the “last pub in the village”, but where locals are enthusiastic about the pub, determined to save a truly historic pub and create a unique Community resource for all to share, with a not-for-profit business model. Where you can contribute, or even own a share, however small (or large) for the benefit of your neighbours and friends for many years to come.
We’ve heard some comments that the reason the Manor closed was due to lack of business and that the area of town is “dead” – we would say that’s not correct. Of course, all businesses suffered under Covid and it’s fallout, but there were other factors at play at the Manor. As for that area of town being “dead” – really? How about Shadow Brewing, White Swan & Tap House? How about being the pub closest to Otley’s Rugby Clubs, Otley Town FC, and cricket teams? East of Otley development area anyone? Potentially a huge catchment area.
This project will not succeed WITHOUT your involvement. Please come along to the open meeting on 26th October – together we can make this happen. Watch our Social Media for venue confirmation.
Please email: otleycommunitypub@gmail.com for further information or to offer support/funding.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved and offered their time so far. “
The group’s Facebook page in under construction. We will update you asap on release. OPC will be posting updates and you can already follow the Community Pub Group on Twitter: @otleycommpub
NEW BAR!
If you remember from last month, we announced a new bar opening in town. It’s a collaboration between our good friend Marcus @TheCuriousHop and Harrogate-based bar @MajorTomsSocial.
We were unsure about the location (honest?), but can now reveal it will be in the old Groove Pad place in Orchard Gate and it’s going to be called …… The Curious Hop Bière Café.
The opening date is to be confirmed as work needs to be completed inside. So watch this space!
PUB EVENTS
Bay Horse
New monthly music “The Bay Horse Jam” – 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. 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.
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
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 – 3pm
Sat & Sun = Midday – 5pm
Black Horse
The Stable Yard Cinema with Free Popcorn is back:
Saturday 29th October it’s Halloween – The Night He Came Home! Show time 8pm
Sunday 30th October it’s Casper – Seeing is Believing. Show time 5.30pm
Also, 3rd December Stables Maker’s Market – more details to follow
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:
Mon: Midday – 8pm
Tues to Sat: Midday – 9pm
Sun: Midday – 7pm
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
A 12-day Beer Festival is currently underway! Running from 12th to 23rd October with ales on offer produced using British-grown hop varieties. Come on, what are British hops versus overseas hops? What are the differences? Good questions. Get yourselves down and find out. Third-of-a-pint offerings. Tasting notes available on the ‘spoons app or website or at the bar!
Come along to our Halloween party, £5 a ticket which includes a drink, snack and party games. There will be lots of prizes, including prizes for the best costume.
26th October 3-5pm. Raising funds for Young Lives vs Cancer Charity (aka CLIC Sargent Cancer Charity)
(JD Wetherspoons pubs, their staff and customers have raised over £16M for this wonderful charity since 2002)
Tel: 01943 858980
Enjoying the new extension? Looking great inside and out. And don’t forget to spend your CAMRA vouchers!
Here’s an article from the recent Wetherspoons News (available here: https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/news )
The Bowling Green, in Otley, has reopened, following a £1.5-million expansion project. Otley’s town deputy mayor, Councillor Linda Hoare, officially opened the pub with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She is pictured with the pub’s manager Rebekah Black and shift leader Gareth Brittain.
Having originally opened as a Wetherspoon in July 2010, this pub in Bondgate has been managed by Rebekah since May 2015.
A total of 40 new full- and part-time jobs has been created at the newly extended pub. Current staff, who had been deployed to other local Wetherspoon pubs during the expansion project closure, are now back at the pub to complete the full team of 65 staff members. The pub, which had been closed for five months, underwent its expansion project at the rear of the premises.
Wetherspoon purchased the former Harry Travis agricultural store building at the back of the pub, as well as utilising a small existing outdoor courtyard area, at the side of the building, to extend the indoor customer area to almost double its original size. The large beer garden remains. The bar area has been moved to the back of the pub, with the kitchen area also extended and new facilities added. Rebekah said: “Customers have been impressed with the pub’s new look. The investment highlights the company’s commitment to the pub and to the town itself. I am also delighted that we have been able to create new jobs.”
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 (Otley’s newest Freehouse!)
Re-opening soon after re-furbishment.
Fleece
October Prosecco Offer £13.95 all day every day!
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
Horse and Farrier
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.
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
Food times:
Weds – Sat: 12-8pm
Sun:12-6pm
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
A reminder from the NBS team about their lovely upstairs room. Check it out if you’ve not been up the stairs!
“Wow look at this perfect event space! (photos on their Facebook page)
If you’re wanting to host a gathering of around 20 people, we have the function room for you.
What’s more? It’s free to hire with no minimum spend!
Message us or pop in for a chat if interested”
Open from midday every day and closes at 11pm, except for Friday and Saturday (midnight) and Sunday (10pm)
Always a great drinks selection. Watch out for music events at the Woolpack next door plus Street Food vendors regularly setting up.
https://www.facebook.com/NorthBarSocial
Old Cock
Autumn Beer Festival featuring beers from Greater Manchester’s finest breweries (Pictish, Marble, Brightside, Stockport, Dunham Massey, Lymm, Bank Top, Black Jack, Seven Brothers – lovely!) and lots more gorgeousness! From 27th to 30th October. 30 different Real Ales over the 4 days. 13 hand pumps in action each day. Always a very popular weekend – even more popular than usual!
Usually post daily on Facebook with changing beer options. Give them a follow: https://www.facebook.com/theoldcockotley/?fref=ts
Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
Red Lion
Big screen sports entertainment. DJs Friday and Saturday nights
Opening hours:
10.30am to 11pm daily, (except close midnight Friday)
Roebuck
New 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
Upstairs at the Rookery – Film Club Sunday 30th October :
- 2.30pm Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2 (U) – £3
- 5.30pm Coraline (PG) – £3
- 8pm The Cabin in the Woods – you think you know the story (15) – £5 (£2 from every ticket will go towards supporting Leeds Scare Trail and it’s chosen charities) And, best costume wind £20 bar tab!!
And dates for your diary: The Dunwells return by popular demand for 2 nights Tues & Weds 27th & 28th December – get your tickets in early to avoid disappointment.
Rookery’s Facebook page for more details/prices/times:
https://www.facebook.com/therookerybar
Rose & Crown
Alongside the Tuesday “Bring Your Own Cheese” night and Thursday Bingo (see below for detail on both) there’s now Wednesday Quiz Night starting 26th October at 8.30pm – check out their Facebook site or call in and see Steve for more details.
STOP PRESS: Wow – things keep happening. From next week 18th Oct Tuesdays to Thursdays “Plenty 4 Twenty” From a set menu, choose 2 courses for 2 people for £20
NEW OFFER: On now, Tuesdays to Fridays – Lunch and a drink for just £8.99
And, Christmas bookings are now being taken for the Festive Fayre (22nd Nov to 24th Dec) and Christmas Day menus. You can book on-line at their website and view the menus.
Opening Times:
Every day Midday to 11pm, except closed Monday and close at 10.30pm Sunday
Kitchen Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: Midday to 4pm and then again 5pm to 9pm – the evening meals are proving to be very popular and a great addition to food options generally in Otley.
Sunday Midday til 6pm – booking advised
Current menu (and also where you can reserve a table) on the new website: https://www.roseandcrownotley.com/
Telephone: 01943 850180
Don’t forget! Bring Your Own Cheese aka BYOC. Every Tuesday from 8pm.
Thursdays cash prize Bingo 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. WOW!
More live music at the R&C – the fantastic Andy Myers returns 21st Oct at 9pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroseandcrownotley
Email: roseandcrownotley@outlook.com
Royalty
OUR CARVING PUMPKIN COMPETITION – October 31st 5.30-8pm
“Bring your carved pumpkin up to the pub, where our panel of judges will pick the finalist to then be voted by the public online. The winner will receive a £30 voucher for the pub.
Everyone who puts a pumpkin into the competition will receive a free gift, then all pumpkins will be put in our beer garden to give it a spooky feel.”
And, nowt like getting yer diary filled in….Royalty Bonfire and Fireworks display night is back Saturday 5th November – Free entry. Starts at 6pm. Outside Bar and food.
The special Royalty Christmas Menu (1st to 26th Dec – except Christmas Day) is available for viewing on the Facebook site. Bookings are coming in already so please book early to avoid disappointment.
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 9.30pm – food til 8pm
Sunday: Midday to 7.30pm – food til 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
Also, up at The Royalty, The Royalty Road Show has finished for the season. A wonderful local initiative that attracted enthusiasts from far and wide. Hopefully they’ll return in Spring next year. Follow their Facebook page to get news of future events: https://www.facebook.com/TheRoyaltyRoadShow/
Shadow Brewing
Ian’s doing some wonderful stuff outside of his normal openings. He’s had the men’s and women’s support group (separate events), plus book club meeting, private parties booking the place out – great stuff.
The Men In Need Together Meet fortnightly every Tues 7-10pm. Call in for a chat or a listen. A few words from MINT:
“Our mission is to reduce male suicide by providing a safe place for men to speak without judgement. MINT was founded following a personal tragedy when a close friend Jack Bentley took his own life. We wanted to make sure that no man goes through the same thing, and aimed to create something powerful out of sadness.
MINT provides free weekly support groups for all men to attend and talk about their struggles in a peer-to-peer setting. We want every man to have a place to go when he needs it. We currently have groups in Morley (Leeds) and Wakefield, with the aim to create a group in every city in the UK.
Each group comes equipped with at least one facilitator who runs the group and every group has free refreshments. We also give free online support via our Facebook Page and signpost specialist help here needed.”
Check out their website. They are doing a truly wonderful thing: https://www.mintproject.co.uk/our-mission
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
Live acoustic music sessions Sunday evenings
Monday is Burger offer day (midday to 9.30pm) – burger, fries and a drink for £8.95
Kids eat for £1 – 7 days a week!! The summer hols offer has been extended to 30th December. With every adult burger and fries purchased, 2 children can eat for £1 each off the kids menu. Eating in only. 12.00-19.00 only. Check with management for eligibility before ordering.
New Ale Club offer from 2nd Nov includes Red Bull and Guinness!! Midday to 5pm Mon to Thurs. All pints are £2.90
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
All shots £2.50!!!
New cask ales regularly – check out https://www.facebook.com/theotleytaphouse for what’s on today
Tavern
DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THE OTLEY TAVERN IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/theotleytav
Whitakers Arms
NEW OPENING HOURS FOR BAR & KITCHEN
A message from Andy & Monica:
“We apologise to all our customers. Our amended times are due to staff shortages and also the outrageous increase in the cost of utilities. We shall stay open later whenever possible. Thank you for your understanding”
Bar Opening Times:
Monday & Tuesday: 11.30am to 6pm
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 11.30am to 6pm
Friday: Midday to 10pm
Saturday: Midday to 11pm
Sunday: Midday to 6pm
Kitchen hours:
Every day Midday to 3pm (except closed Weds)
Happy hour(s) – Mon to Fri 4pm to 6pm 50p off selected pints and £1 off bottles of wine – Great stuff!
White Swan
Watch their regular Social Media for regular upcoming Friday live acoustic sessions. https://www.facebook.com/thewhiteswan_otley
All the big screen sports are on!
Open daily Midday to 11pm
Yew Tree
Seniors’ Lunch every Thursday 12 until 2pm – JUST £3.99! Extensive menu. Add a dessert for just £1.50 – also, hot and cold drink offers! Brilliant stuff!
The Hoot, an on-line news site “A bird’s-eye view of Leeds and surrounding areas” has The Yew Tree in the top 5 “The best places in Leeds to get a carvery Sunday roast” – brilliant stuff again!
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).
All new Quiz Night starts on SUNDAY at the earlier time of 8.30pm. New format, new prizes and free supper! Also, new Eliminator following quiz, with Jackpot builder!
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 4pm – 11.30pm
Thursday: 12pm – 11.30pm
Friday& Saturday: 2pm – 11.30pm
Sunday: 12pm – 11.30pm
Yes it’s getting towards that time of year. A message from the YT team:
“Our annual Christmas Fair is on Sat 10th December this year! If you are interested in holding a stall, we have a few spaces left! All we request is a donation to Moorview Rescue!
Message or ring on 01943 461330 x”
The Fair includes Homemade Crafts, Christmas Gifts, Tombolas, Toys, Local Charities, Food and of course, drink!
Also, Christmas Party Nights are back. 3 course Christmas Banquet, DJ & Disco.
- Friday 2nd Dec (Fully Booked!)
- Sat 10th Dec
- Fri 16th Dec
- Sat 17th Dec
Why not get together with friends, family or workmates (min 4 people per group) for a fabulous party night for just £19.95! £5pp deposit required. Email: theyewtreeinn1@gmail.com, call 01943 461330 or message to book now!
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 is THE WHITAKERS ARMS
It’s well known that in the famous pub town of Otley you’re never far from licensed premises, and Whitakers (or The Whitakers Arms or simply Whits) couldn’t be closer to last month’s pub The Red Lion. They’re joined at shoulder and hip on the west side of Kirkgate, and almost directly opposite The Rookery that we featured in May!
Andy and Monica moved into Whitakers at the worst possible time – just as the first Covid lockdown was introduced – but they spent the time (and money) wisely, in re-inventing the interior of the pub, and its appeal to customers. The rear part of the pub now has a lovely homely ‘living room’ feel to it, and customers obviously love sitting and eating there, as the food side of their business is doing really well. So much so that if you don’t book for Sunday lunch now, it’s very unlikely you’ll get a table.
I guess it’s no surprise the food is good though, since Andy used to be Executive Chef at The Intercontinental Hotel in Cairo, before moving on to Malta, and from there back to the UK in Otley. And he assured me that if you fancy something special like steak or lobster, just give him a couple of days’ notice and he’ll see what he can do! By the way, don’t be fooled by Trip Advisor saying Whitakers is only #15 out of 50 restaurants in Otley. It’s won the coveted Traveller’s Choice Award this year which is only given to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of all properties worldwide on Tripadvisor! Andy’s steak pie is gorgeous – you’ve got to give it a try. Veggie and Vegan meal options are available!
But of course, it’s not all about the food, as Whits is first and foremost a pub – and a pub that both has Cask Marque and Timothy Taylor’s Champion Club awards for the quality of its ales.
It has a ‘hidden gem’ beer garden beautifully furnished and welcoming at the rear that some people in Otley still don’t seem to know about – now enhanced by a large permanent marquee that can be hired free for private parties. Summertime afternoons are a delight sitting out back. But it’s getting into the Autumn? Don’t worry the roaring fires inside will keep you more than warm.
They are extremely dog friendly. I met the house dog Spud, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum from last month’s Komondor in The Red Lion – he’s a 14 year old Pekingese that’s come all the way from Cairo as well!
Andy and Monica have plans to introduce a nostalgic disco on Thursday afternoons, for what one of his customers called ‘recycled teenagers!’, so watch out for further announcements on that!
Weekend live music is also provided – watch their Facebook page for announcements.
Andy told me so much more about his past life in Glasgow and Manchester as well as in Egypt and Malta, but I promised I wouldn’t share his secrets. But as he’s a very friendly landlord, you might be able to persuade him to share some of his stories with you some time. Why not call in and see?
For a little history on Whits, why not pop over to our website – there’s some lovely photos of the pub and garden too: http://www.otleypubclub.co.uk/otley-pubs-present/whitakers-arms
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!!
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/otleypubclub?utm_term=pAn9rRjkX
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 to discuss anything and everything happening in Otley and in it’s 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: Thursday 3rd November 2022. 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
Give us a follow to stay in touch:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otleypubclub
Twitter: @OtleyPubClub
Insta: otley_pub_club
