The Junction Inn

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The Junction Inn History

In 1851 the Junction Inn was known as the “Ring of Bells” but by 1872 it had changed its name to “The Junction.” The inn appears to have had an entrance on the corner of the building, similar to that of the Star Inn which was on New Market. The name Junction is self-explanatory for it is situated on Bondgate at the junction of Gay Lane and Charles Street.

Dennis Flynn was licensee in 1873, followed by Joseph Freeman who appeared before Otley Police Court in 1891 for allowing drunkenness on his premises. Fred Holmes was next, followed by Mrs. Harriet Holmes and many more up to the May 2011.

Application for a Games Permit (along with the Bowling Green Hotel) was applied for in 1963. The Junction proposed to give cigarettes, spirits and beer as prizes. It was decided that further information should be sought before a decision was reached.

During summer 2010, it was ninth time lucky for The Junction. It already had no fewer than eight silver Business in Bloom awards under its belt in recognition of its attractive hanging baskets and beer garden. And now the pub had finally scooped a gold award in the spring judging of the competition’s Best Public House City Wide category. The Landlord said it was nice to get the gold plaque and certificate after getting eight consecutive silvers, but they hadn’t really done anything different.

In 2010, The Junction hosted an informal public appearance by two Leeds Rhinos Rugby League internationals, testimonial season beneficiary hooker Matt Diskin (England and Great Britain) and prop Kylie Leuluai (Samoa and New Zealand), together with the Super League trophy).

The pub is owned by Star Pubs and Bars (Heineken) – along with a few others in Otley. In 2019, Jason Smith took over the managership along with The White Swan in Otley.