CHARLES ll - known as the Merry Monarch - was on the throne when a new coaching inn opened in Calverley.

No doubt many subjects of the popular, fun-loving king enjoyed a few flagons of ale at the hostelry - then called The Leopard - as the 17th century drew to a close.

Almost 350 years later, the characterful inn, now called The Thornhill, continues to be a welcoming spot to eat and drink for those travelling between Bradford and Leeds.

That’s not the only route to the historic pub - our T&A Pub of the Week - it is said that there are secret tunnels running from the inn down to Kirkstall Abbey, built many years ago by the monks.

“They would use the tunnels to come over for a swift half,” says Sally Hanson, who owns and runs the pub with husband Jamie. “There are sealed off areas of the cellars that have not been opened for many years.”

The pub is among Leeds’ most haunted buildings, with sightings of a lady in Victorian dress, thought to be the ghost of a house-proud early proprietor who stayed behind to keep the pub spotless.

There have also been reports of glasses flying off the bar when the pub has been closed and taps on the shoulder when people have been alone in the cellar.

“Original features include a stone entrance inscribed with WC and FC after Walter Calverley and his wife Francis Calverley,” says Sally. “The barn outside still has partitions and feeding troughs for the horses. We even have a servants bell in our living quarters upstairs.”

The pub’s present name relates to the Thornhill family who owned local estates.

Sympathetically refurbished in 2014, the inn combines tradition with style and comfort.

With a varied menu making use of locally and regionally-sourced meat, fish and vegetable, The Thornhill has established itself a food destination.

Dishes include homemade steak and ale pie, fish and chips and a range of burgers and burritos, Vegetarian options include Malaysian cauliflower, sweet potato and chickpea curry and Cajun-spiced halloumi burrito.

“Our Sunday roasts are really popular too,” says Sally.” Everything is baked, cooked and produced in our own kitchens.”

Locally-brewed ales are among the wide variety of drinks on offer.

Being in the middle of the village, the pub is a community hub. “We are very family-friendly and have a lot of regulars,” says Sally, who met Jamie when she worked at The Thornhill years ago and he came in to drink.

“We both grew up in Calverley and know a lot of people here - the village is very important to us.”

The couple have two children, Thomas, four, and two-year-old Holly. “Thomas recently told one of his teachers ‘I’ve got a pub in my house,” Sally laughs.

Outside there is an inviting outside drinking and dining space. “It has lots of comfy sofas - people love it,” she says.

Front of house, managers Jennah and Paris hold the fort. “We get a lot of good reviews about front-of-house staff and how friendly they are,” says Sally. “Our staff mean the world to us.”

With two dogs of their own - Labradors Jenson and Bess - the pub welcomes four-legged friends. “There are some great walks around here so it is perfect for a stop-off,” says Sally.

The couple love being at the helm of the pub. “It is so rewarding seeing people come in and relax."

*The Thornhill, 18 Town Gate, Calverley, West Yorkshire LS28 5NT; thethornhillcalverley.co.uk

*Would you like to see your inn as our T&A Pub of the Week? If so, email helen.mead@nqyne.co.uk or emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk