A friendly pub with a great beer garden

The Marsh Inn - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - prides itself on its friendly atmosphere.

The traditional hostelry, in Uppermoor, Pudsey, attracts regulars from the local area, and visitors from further afield.

“We have regulars who have been coming for years - some live further away but still travel to visit us,” says licensee Martin Knowles who has managed the pub with wife Melanie for the past three years.

Built around 1811 by local tanner Richard Farrer the inn, on Uppermoor, was at first a private dwelling, later becoming a beer house.

It was named The Marsh as the land around the pub was too wet to be used as farmland. It has remained a pub ever since.

Martin and Melanie are involved in all aspects of running The Marsh, but to them, their most important role is to be welcoming and cheerful to all guests, by trying to get to know everyone personally. “We put everything we can into making The Marsh a great place to drink, eat, relax and have fun,” says Martin.

Martin and Melanie Knowles are at the helm (Image: submitted)

Inside the pub - which is part of the Stonegate stable - has the warm, welcoming feel of a classic British pub with exposed beams and stone walls and a range of bric-a-brac dotted about.

The recently created beer garden has been a huge hit. “As well as enhancements to the interior, the most recent work carried out at has been the construction of the amazing beer garden, which is really popular, especially with the weather being so warm and sunny,” says Melanie.

Popular beers, ales and lagers are frequently rotated to match seasonal tastes, and offer variety.

The beer garden (Image: submitted)

“There is no cocktail menu, as such at The Marsh, but the team will be able to make cocktails if requested - all you have to do is ask,” adds Melanie.

Food is a new addition to the pub’s offering, and is proving very popular. “It is great to see so many of our guests returning to enjoy our delicious food," says Melanie: “Popular dishes on the menu are the classic favourites, including Sunday roasts, hearty pies, burgers, and pizzas. We also have weekly themed food nights such as Greek, Indian and Mexican, which customers really enjoy.”

The characterful Marsh Inn (Image: submitted)

It’s not only themed food nights that attract people to The Marsh. Other regular events include a pop quiz on Thursdays, an open mic night on Sundays and on one Saturday every month a local live band appear.

“Themed nights and parties are also something the pub holds, with events this year including an 80s-themed night and an Abba night, where people got into the spirit of the occasion and dressed up,” says Melanie.

The Marsh has attracted many favourable comments on social media. Says Melanie: “People have given the pub lovely comments about how much they like visiting and always congratulate us on the amazing work we do to make it a success, and a welcoming environment for everyone.”

*The Marsh Inn, 70 Uppermoor, Pudsey LS28 7EX; facebook.com/themarshpudse