Long-standing Bingley pub gets a stylish new look in £500k transformation

The Market Square Tavern, formerly the Ferrands Arms, on Queen Street, opened for business today.

The force behind the project from left to right: Ben Turnock; Jamie Collins and Ben Warren

It’s the latest addition to the Concept Taverns portfolio, which includes The Great Northern Brewhouse in Thackley; Granvilles Beer & Gin House in Horsforth and Hawkhill Tavern in Guiseley, among others. 

The pub company, which was established in 2018, said Bingley had been on the radar for a few years.

Maria Hernandez and Kyle Paul get ready to welcome customers

The owners jumped at the chance when the opportunity to take on the Ferrands came up and say “every effort” has been made to restore its original character. 

Managing Director Ben Warren said: “We have had many good nights in Bingley both eating and socialising and always felt there was a good pub circuit that we could add to. 

Emma Askem gets ready to serve up delicious cocktails

“The pub is right in the heart of the town and we especially like projects where we can renovate an older building, so this project was perfect for us.” 

Co-owner Matt Jones added: “We first started having a look around in October 2019 and made the purchase in March 2020. 

“The former owner was quite particular about who he wanted to sell to as he lives locally and wanted the venue to remain a quality pub rather than an alternative use, such as apartments or a restaurant.”

The building has been totally transformed, with ground floor walls demolished to open up the space. The first floor accommodation has been removed to make way for a kitchen, a pool room and additional seating, while old floors, doors and windows have been replaced and key features updated. 

Maria Hernandez behind the bar

There’ll be a selection of 20 different beers and ales, featuring both national and local breweries, and some of the pub’s cask will be supplied by Concept Brewing, Concept Taverns’ microbrewery in Horsforth.

The stylish interior

Punters will be able to enjoy American pool and rebound shuffleboard alongside pizzas, tacos, nachos and nibbles which will be available seven days a week. The pub, which has employed 20 members of staff local to Bingley, is taking reservations for the ‘Market Square Garden’ - a decked area which has tables with umbrellas.

Ready for socialising when May 17 comes

Permission has also been granted to put tables outside the pub on the Market Square, which will become the ‘Market Square Terrace’, currently reserved for walk-ins.

Plans are in the pipeline for an official launch night to be held after the May 17 easing of Covid-19 restrictions, when hospitality will be allowed to open indoors.