WITH its original exposed stone walls and beams, it is no wonder the Rose & Crown in Bondgate, Otley - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - is a popular place to eat and drink.
Built in 1731 the pub’s first known licensee was a J Sharphouse in 1821. Today Stephen Cockburn holds the reins, having taken over in June.
“It’s a great pub, it’s got so much character,” he says. “It has a rustic feel with low beams and partitions to create several cosy areas.”
Originally from Newcastle, Stephen has managed pubs for the past 22 years, 18 of those in London.
With family living in nearby Pool-in-Wharfedale, he knew the area, liked it, and was keen to make it his home on returning north.
“It helped that I was familiar with the area - it’s a lovely around here and Otley is a really friendly town.”
Over the past few years the pub had been repeatedly open and closed, and Stephen was eager to bring it back to life.
“We are starting to get a nice, regular trade,” he says, “While some people have been coming here for years, we have a lot of new customers who have recently discovered us and keep coming back.”
Stephen selects ales from across the UK. “We always have at least three cask ales available, sourced from popular, known breweries from across the UK.
“We have a wide range of gins, including White House Gin that’s distilled here in Otley.”
A big hit on warm days are the picnic benches introduced in the pub’s attractive beer garden. “It is walled and it is a real sun trap,” says Stephen, “Customers love it.”
Stephen created the menu, with dishes cooked by chef Victor Rodriguez, who worked with Stephen in London and relocated with him.
“An extensive food menu is available 12-9pm Tuesday to Saturday - popular choices include fish and chips and burgers. We do roast dinners from 12 to 6pm on a Sunday, which go down really well,” says Stephen.
He has introduced events throughout the week. Tuesday is cheese night, which is proving popular. “I set up a cheese board and people bring their own cheeses to add to it. There’s crackers, fruit and pickles to go with it.”
Bingo on a Thursday goes down a treat and on the first Sunday of every month there’s an open mic night.
A quiz is being introduced on Wednesdays. “I’m excited about all the events, Stephen says.
Being a dog lover - Stephen has two of his own, German shepherd Poppy and Labrador cross Reg - dogs are very welcome at the Rose & Crown. “We keep treats for them at the bar, and have at least five dogs coming in with their owners every day.”
Stephen loves his job. “I really enjoy meeting and talking to people. No two days are the same in pub management.”
He adds: “I love being back in the north and in a close-knit town like Otley where there’s a real sense of community.”
*Rose & Crown, 20 Bondgate, Otley LS21 1AD; roseandcrownotley.com
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