The Manor House, Otley

Our first Pub of the Moment this time is something of an outpost. An outpost of the Lancashire-based Thwaites Brewery estate, the Manor House is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Otley. It’s on Walkergate. Near the Maypole. Keep walking past the library and you’ll find the place.

The Manor House sits in a terrace of houses. Presumably it was once several rooms, but it’s been opened out over the years. There are still nooks and crannies to hide away in, though. There’s a real fire in the winter months, and an outdoor area for the summer. The latter doubles as a smoking zone.

On the bar are beers from Thwaites. The brewery recently renamed its mild as Nutty Black, but it’s still Dark Mild in the Manor House. Also available are the rest of the Thwaites range: Original, Wainwright and Lancaster Bomber. All are always in excellent condition.
There are plenty of reasons to call in. There are weekly quizzes and draws, various entertainment, and free nibbles are sometimes provided. Dogs are welcome, too.

The Manor House is on Walkergate in Otley. The phone number is 01943 463807.

Arcadia, Headingley

A quick mention for a second Pub of the Moment, Arcadia. This is our choice because, like New Full Measure, Arcadia has recently become bigger and better!

Arcadia has been expanded into the adjacent shop. The extension is on two levels, and provides extra seating downstairs and off the mezzanine floor upstairs. A second welcome addition is a downstairs toilet for the less mobile.

The bar itself is the same size as before, but now it’s much easier to get to as more folk are able to sit down with their drinks! The usual eight beers are on the bar, along with the selection of continental beers on draught and in bottles.

The extra seating also means that the food service times have been extended. Food is now available 12-2:30 and 5-8 on Thursdays and Fridays, 12-8 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays.

Arcadia remains a welcome oasis in Headingley for those adults who fancy a drink in reasonable peace and quiet. And now more of them can join in!