'A PERFECT fit'.

That is how campaigners have described news that Otley's Black Horse Hotel is being taken over by a local brewery and music club.

Otley Pub Club has been told that Kirkstall Brewery and Brudenell Social Club have bought the Westgate venue.

The club, which will hear more details about the partnership's plans at a meeting on Thursday, April 4 says the move should usher in a 'new era' for the inn.

It understands that under the new owners the Black Horse will offer a range of cask and craft beers from the award-winning Kirkstall range and may also stage live music events.

The news follows the end of a bid by community group LS21 Limited to take over the hotel, which former owners the Ei Group put on sale last autumn.

Pub club President Greg Mulholland said: "Otley Pub Club is absolutely delighted at the fabulous news that the award-winning Kirkstall Brewery and the Brudenell Social Club have bought, and we understand will be investing in, the Black Horse in Otley.

"This is a perfect fit for the pub with Kirkstall’s record in restoring pubs, their great beer and food offer and their passion for Victorian buildings.

"Added to that, it's hugely exciting to have a partnership with the legendary Brudenell Social Club and music fans in Otley will be delighted that the Black Horse will add to Otley’s live music offering, especially since the loss of Korks and Otley Civic Centre.

"So we commend this wonderful news and thank Steve, John and Nathan for investing in Otley’s Victorian coaching inn to make it something very special, that will serve the community for years to come.

"The club also wants to again thank the amazing team of volunteers involved in the LS21 community group, whose efforts undoubtedly assisted securing the long-term future of the Black Horse. This is a great story all-round and one the whole community in Otley should toast - with a pint of Kirkstall of course!"

Kirkstall Brewery has previously carried out successful refurbishments of two Kirkstall inns, the Cardigan Arms and The Bridge.

The Brudenell Social Club meanwhile, based in Hyde Park, Leeds is one of the north of England’s most popular small live music venues.

Otley pub club committee member Julie Carrack added: "This is fantastic news for those who know how superb Kirkstall Brewery's pubs, and beers, are.

"This is something that will excite all pub and beer fans in Otley and the surrounding area.

"We commend Kirkstall and the Brudenell Social Club for buying and investing in the Black Horse, and look forward to working with them."