AS YOU enter Shipley from Bradford you can’t miss the Sir Norman Rae.

Spacious and welcoming, the hostelry - our T&A Pub of the Week - wraps itself around the corner of Kirkgate and Market Square in the heart of the town.

It’s a popular meeting place for friends having a browse on market day, or heading out for drinks on a weekend.

“Our regulars are the driving force in the pub, some come in every day,” says manager Harry Boner, who has been at the helm since September last year. “They pre-date my tenure by a long way and they keep coming back. I am really enjoying getting to know them all.”

The Sir Norman Rae is Harry’s first post as manager, having worked for owners JD Wetherspoon for 11 years.

“I’m loving it - I could not have picked a better pub. Shipley has such a strong sense of community, people look out for each other. It’s a great little town with everything you need within arm’s reach.”

But while Shipley residents are familiar with the pub, how many of them know the person behind its name?

Sir Norman Rae is something of an unsung hero in Shipley.

He made his fortune from the woollen trade, becoming principal in the Bradford firm of Pickles and Rae, woolcombers and top makers.

A Liberal, he was elected the town’s MP, serving from 1918 to 1923. His wealth enabled him to purchase a large area of land which he presented to Shipley Council as playing fields - present day Northcliffe Park.

Sir Norman also encouraged university study by providing scholarships and established Shipley Nursing Home.

On his death, in 1928, it was reported in the Shipley Council minutes, that he was the greatest benefactor to the district since Sir Titus Salt.

Wetherspoons pays tribute to Sir Norman with a short biography and photographs of him on the walls.

Many people visit the Sir Norman Rae to eat, choosing from a menu serving, as Harry says “traditional pub food with the Wetherspoons twist.”Fare includes fish and chips, Wiltshire cured ham, eggs and chips, and curry. Deli meals feature five-bean chilli, paninis and wraps. Hot and spicy char-grilled chicken is another favourite.

“We get quite a few families in. The most popular children’s meal is spaghetti bolognese,” says Harry.

Chinook, from Goose Eye Brewery in Crossflatts and 1872 Porter from Elland Brewery are popular permanent guest ales. “We have four guest ales at the other end of the bar which we vary.

“We also sell a wide range of cocktails which are favourites on outings such as birthdays.”

Food and drinks can be ordered using the Wetherspoon app, from customers’ phone, and then delivered to the table, or ordered at the bar.

The décor is homely and bright, with some Art Deco features. It includes information on the history of Shipley, from its development from ‘a few thatched cottages, some scattered farmhouses, the Manor House, and three old halls’ to the lively town it is today.

Harry, who is originally from London, enjoys his job. “There’s a lot more to it than pulling pints,” he says, “It is great to see the pub doing so well.”

*Sir Norman Rae, Victoria House, Market Square, Shipley BD18 3QB; jdwetherspoon.com/pubs