T&A Pub of the Week: The Secret Garden is in full bloom

With floral decorations and ‘Real Queens Fix Each Others’ Crowns’ lit up on a neon sign, The Secret Garden - our Pub of the Week - is particularly popular with female customers. Afternoon tea is served in the daytime and when the sun goes down there’s a bar vibe, with cocktails and Prosecco.

Sammi Elliott bought the venue, opposite Bingley Station, a year ago when it was the Rail Yard. During lockdown she transformed it, with new decor and furniture. Since re-opening as The Secret Garden it’s been so busy she has employed more staff and is taking bookings for Christmas.

Afternoon tea is served during the day

“She’s really changed the vibe of the place, says Sammi’s mum, Cheryl Elliott, who co-owns the venue. “The interior was previously a long booth, Sammi took that out and put wooden tables in and decorated the bar with flowers and grasses. The greenery goes right through, with leaf and flower designs on the walls. It’s like a garden indoors and has a fantastic ‘girly’ feel. The beautiful lit-up sign says it all - Sammi’s aim is to bring groups of women in and create a safe space for them to get together. Tables must be pre-booked and the door is locked, customers have to press a button to be let in, so it’s a private space. It’s not just for women of course, but it has a nice relaxed vibe that girls like. It’s booked up for the next four weeks.”

Tables must be pre-booked for a two-hour slot

Adds Cheryl: “It’s a small bar with only four tables, and seating for 16. Tables are booked for two-hour slots. The bar started with waffles and milkshakes, which are going down great, kids love them, but the big winner is afternoon tea with sauteed chicken and Scotch eggs as well as cakes and sandwiches. Home-cooked pizza is popular too. All the food is freshly cooked. Sammi extended the kitchen area and there are pizza ovens.”

The bar offers cocktails, fizz, a selection of gins and rums and draught beers. Sammi has worked in pubs and, before buying the Rail Yard, she and Cheryl owned and ran the Foundry Hill Bar & Lounge in Bingley. “Sammi is a wonderful host, she has the personal touch and gives all customers special attention,” says Cheryl. “Since re-branding, the bar has been a breath of fresh air for Bingley.”

"A breath of fresh air for Bingley"

Waffles and milkshakes are popular

The bar is a safe place for women - as well as men - to enjoy a night out

Transforming the venue was a family affair, with Sammi’s dad making the tables and her sister creating the floral decorations. “It was all Sammi’s idea. She’s worked so hard to make it a success and a lovely, safe environment,” says Cheryl.

* The Secret Garden, Wellington Street. Bingley. Open Thursday to Sunday. Go to facebook.com/TheRailYardUK and Instagram @thesecretgardenbingley

Has your pub got what it takes to be our Pub of the Week?

Each week, the Telegraph & Argus is featuring a different pub from across the Bradford district; showcasing what’s great about our cherished locals. We would love to hear from you about your favourite pubs. Maybe you’ve been a regular in the same local for years, or you’ve discovered one of the many new bars in the district. Or, if you’re a pub landlord or bar owner, tell us why your business should be featured on this page. Does your pub have any special features or a story behind it? Have you made any changes during lockdown? And why is it important to communities to get pubs open again?

* To tell us about your pub click here

Diners can choose from afternoon tea or home-cooked pizza