Otley leaseholders Linda and Barry Tomlinson have praised the pub owners Punch Taverns for a boost in trade following an extensive joint investment of £95,000.
The Yew Tree pub was reopened on 27th February by Roger Blackburn and Brian Bentley, who have been loyal regulars since 1972. Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland and Chairman of Otley Pub Club Andy Fitzgerald also attended the launch to show their support.
Situated on Newall Carr Road, the Yew Tree is the third Punch pub in Otley to receive a cash investment in the last year and was closed for two weeks whilst the refurbishment was carried out.
“We reopened the pub last week and it was really busy. It was great to have Roger and Brian reopen the pub as it shows how much the pub means to the local community. Everyone was really impressed with the new look and really like the changes we have made. The fireplace especially is a focal point in the pub,” Barry commented.
Inside, the pub has been redecorated in a traditional style, giving it a fresher look to complement the original characteristics. New toilets have been added and part of the fixed seating has been removed to make way for an open-plan area with new furniture.
The drinks range has also been expanded to include wines and cocktails, as well as cask ales.
The pub now boasts a food menu featuring, home-made pies and a personalised Sunday carvery.
Licensees Linda and Barry, who have been running the pub for 14 years, are pleased with the pub’s new look and said that it was important that the pub kept its local identity within the community: “We can’t believe the transformation, our customers love the fresher look but are really pleased that we have kept the warm and friendly feel.
“We believe we have created a great environment for all and we have been overwhelmed by the support from local residents. The makeover has been well-received in all areas by our customers, commenting that the pub is now more welcoming.
“We are launching a new menu and have received positive feedback on this. People like the fact that there is a good selection of freshly cooked, home-made meals and our pies are proving really popular as they are baked fresh. We are hoping to extend our food trading hours and offer more themed nights as the Wednesday Pie night is always busy.
“We have had great support from Punch Taverns in re-launching and encourage those who haven’t done so to come and see the new look.”
On visiting the launch night, MP Greg Mulholland commented: “Congratulations to Linda and Barry on the excellent refurbishment. It has retained the character of the pub, which is included in CAMRA’s Yorkshire’s Heritage Pubs.”
Andy Fitzgerald, Chairman of Otley Pub Club said: “We are very happy to see the Yew Tree reopen after the recent refurbishment, the new decor enhances the character of the Yew Tree. Barry has to be congratulated and has managed to keep the character of the pub alive. This is another example of Punch investing in Otley’s pubs demonstrating confidence in the trade in Otley.”
Punch Taverns’ Senior Partnership Development Manager, Andy Brady adds: “We’re delighted to invest in sites such as this and have invested over £400,000 in pubs across the Otley area over the last year. The investment has re-established the Yew Tree a family-friendly pub, serving great, home-made food and quality drinks for local residents.
“Barry and Linda are proven operators and have some great plans to deliver a fantastic customer experience and they have our full support. They can now cater for more people and with more and more community groups also using the pub as a meeting place and local residents booking the lounge for functions, they really can offer something for everyone.
“Following the successful launch, we have every confidence Barry and Linda can take the Yew Tree from strength to strength.”