A PUB in Otley is re-opening its doors under new management.

A new landlord took over The Rose and Crown, on Bond Gate, Otley last Friday to give it a new lease of life.

Stephen Cockburn, who is originally from Newcastle, but has opened pubs across the country, has taken on the Otley pub after making a return up north this summer.

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get open and meet the locals. I started making the plans to take it on about six months ago, and I got the keys about a week ago so I’ve been working to make sure every thing is clean and tidy and ready to go.

Stephen said it will be a casual setting and hopes to hold quiz and themed events ‘down the line.’

“I will be taking table bookings but it will be very informal. People can come in for a drink or have something to eat too,” he said.

The pub will be serving a range of dishes on its menu including small plates, tapas dishes, and traditional pub grub and some vegetarian options.

He said: “I’ve been working in pubs in London for the last 20 years, but I’ve got family in the area and I know Otley quite well so I wanted to come back to the north.”

“We’ve got our chef employed already, and we’ll be doing things like fish and chips, sausages and mash and things like that starting from next week,” Stephen said.

He will also be serving a range of real ales, an impressive wine selection and a number of flavoured gins, he says.

Stephen has also installed picnic benches in the garden out the back ready for the summer.

According to The Otley Pub club website, The Rose and Crown pub dates back to as far as 1731, and the age is evidenced by the thickness of its walls and stonework.

It has had a number of licensees over the years, with the first thought to have taken it on in 1871.

The pub re-opened its doors on June 17 at 5pm to welcome its first customers.

The Rose and Crown is located 20 Bondgate, Otley LS21 1AD.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Rose-Crown-Otley-