Pubs Galore - the UK pub guide

I was keen to visit this pub because I remember it from my very first visit to Otley on my way to watch rugby league in Leeds for the first time; this was in 1984 (Leeds won 38-12). It's hard to say whether I was more impressed by the football (the speed and inventiveness were remarkable) or the Tetleys Bitter (served through autovacs to a Sunday lunchtime crowd of over a hundred in this smallish pub). I called in here in 2013 with a group of pub crawlers but how I felt about it on that occasion is not mentioned in my notebook, so another visit became necessary. The strange way the sole member of staff was speaking to the previous customer was already making me feel uncomfortable, and when he turned his attention to us I was feeling on the point of walking out. But we persevered and ordered our beers (see photos for available options). My Black Sheep Best was ok to start off with, but as it warmed up from an initial 11 celsius to maybe 14 degrees it revealed a slight hint of infection. Not bad enough for me to complain about, especially if it meant being subjected to the weird customer service persona being experimented with by our server. Just put it down to the folly of going back to places that hold a particular memory - I'll still have Sunday, 28th October 1984 and my first game at Headingley.

Micro-pub sized brewery taproom and off licence, located just over the River Usk from the centre of town, so definitely a bit quieter than many outlets on a scorchingly hot Saturday afternoon but still quite hard to find a seat until a large group headed onwards. With four handpumps on the compact counter, I found a couple of their own beers - including my Karma Citra (£4.00) - along with a pair of ciders.

Rather down at heal 2 bar pub, feel of the 1970s, couple of real ales of average quality

A substantial Victorian building, converted to a small hotel at some point but now more of a pub with letting rooms. It retains some nice historical features, including a splendid ceiling over the bar, although it is generally getting a bit scruffy round the edges. It does have a pleasantly restrained feel though (at least when not busy), despite the presence of numerous sports screens, thankfully with the sound off. There is a nice lawned garden to the rear. Just Black Sheep Best being served on handpump, in pretty good condition, with TT Landlord clip-reversed. Nothing of note on the keg taps.

As soon as you see the pub on approach you can definitely see that this is an Art Deco styled pub and once inside there are a few more evident features around the interior. I was also surprised how far this pub goes back, with a rear snug plus another large back room. This was was closed off on my visit for a Wednesday Jazz gig. Maybe it was free once the doors opened at 8pm. Six handpumps with five in use serving TT Landlord & Boltmaker, Abbeydale Moonshine, Bass and Hobgoblin IPA.