Whitakers, Otley

This pub interior was a mix of traditional and modern and one seemed to be clashing against the other. There was a pine panelled wall to the left hand side of the bar which looked hideous. The food was busy with food on our visit as they have a pensioners special on most days. Service at the bar was fine, so we went for the Camerons Gold Bullion.

Whitakers is next door to the Red Lion. Once inside there is a single oblong shaped room which runs to the rear of the pub,there is some comfy bench seating to the front,plus more in the rear right area,the room is bare boarded. There was a decent choice of real ales on the bar,i had a drink of York Guzzler which went down a treat,the other beers i noted were Tetley Mild / Bitter,Black Sheep Bitter plus one from Prescott brewery. I was quite happy drinking in this pub,one i could settle in for a good session. Pub visited 8/11/2014

Quite possibly the best pub in Otley. True, other pubs have bigger, flasher menus; but if you want a sensibly priced, well prepared and hearty plate of food from a list that didn't need subtitles then you're in the right place. Likewise, other pubs have a larger range of beers; but if you want somewhere with 2 or 3 reliable 'old favourites' plus as many again that are carefully selected and well maintained 'guests' then look no further. The interior is traditional and quietly dark and tranquil, they offer most of the usual entertainment activities, but not in a way that rams them down your throat. The staff (and the siginficant number of people who are obviously regulars) are a welcoming and friendly bunch and the customer service obviously comes from experience and common sense rather than a training manual. AND THEY HAVE A BEER GARDEN! Like something from a favourite childhood story, the beer garden is a beautiful walled space at the back of the pub, totally secure and very inviting on a balmy summers day. If you only visit 1 pub in Otley, make it 'The Whitakers'.