“IT’S LIKE a different world, sitting by the canal - everyone loves it.”

Scenic and peaceful, there are few spots more relaxing to have a drink and a bite to eat than the Rodley Barge, our Telegraph &Argus Pub of the Week.

Sited beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the historic inn is popular with locals, boaters and walkers enjoying a stroll along the towpath.

Debbie Whittaker, who has owned the Town Street inn for the past 30 years, knows how special it is. “It’s beautiful, we have a beer garden that overlooks the canal and one at the front too - they are really busy in spring and summer,” she says.

“Throughout the year we have quite a few walking clubs which stop off here and have a lot of regulars who visit us. We have a good tea time trade, with people having a drink after finishing work. It’s a lovely community round here, with really friendly people.”

She adds: The pub is dog friendly so people out walking their dogs by the canal often pop in."

Grade ll-listed, the stone-built pub dates back to the late 18th century. With its traditional interior, one end of which is designed to resemble the inside of a barge, and log burner, it’s a cosy haven on winter days.

“It’s really snug and has a lovely atmosphere,” says Debbie.

Debbie runs the inn with her son, pub manager Craig. “We work well together as we both do our own jobs - Craig runs the cellar and orders and I do the paperwork and fill in when staff are off, and help in the kitchen at times.”

Traditional pub food, prepared by chef Stacey Dixon, is served from Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 3pm, with popular choices including steak and ale pie, gammon, scampi and curry of the day. “Jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings and omelettes are also very popular,” says Debbie.

Sandwiches are available as a light lunch.

A kitchen refurbishment was carried out not long before the pandemic and the first lockdown provided a chance to refurbish the toilets/washrooms.

Leeds Pale from Leeds Brewery, and Tetley are the pub’s two permanent ales, with others sourced from local breweries including Ilkley, Goose Eye in Bingley and Saltaire.

“We try and bring in different beers from the local area as much as possible,” says Debbie.

The Rodley Barge hosts live music events throughout the year and in August visitors descend upon the pub for Rodley Beer & Music Festival.

“It’s held over three days on August bank holidays weekend. For the first two days we have live music and then a fun day with a bouncy castle. We have a stage and stall, and raise money for charity,” says Debbie. “We have been holding it for about 15 years but have not been able to for the past two years due to Covid, so we are really hoping it will be back on this year. It’s hard work but worth it, it’s really enjoyable and everyone has a good time.”

*Rodley Barge, 184 Town St, Rodley, Leeds LS13 1HP; facebook.com/TheRodleyBarge/

*Would you like to see your pub as T&A Pub of the Week?

We would like to hear from owners or landlords of pubs across the district. Tell us how your pub fits into the local community and why customers like it. What makes it special?

Email helen.mead@nqyne.co.uk or emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk