Where Danny la Rue wined and dined in a pink frock

Stars such as Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black dined and stayed at the 17th-century Inn. Danny la Rue appeared in a flowing pink frock, and Roy Orbison loved the inn so much that he spent his second honeymoon there.

Now diners can soak up some of that showbiz atmosphere in the Black Horse's original restaurant, refurbished to reflect its theatrical history.

"The famous Batley Variety Club and Wakefield Theatre Club are nearby, and a lot of the performers used to stay here," said Andrew Russell, who runs the Inn with his wife, Jane.

"Many of the stars had a reputation for being a little difficult. But they were all quite happy to talk to the public – and the other guests respected them."

Legendary comedian Tommy Trinder and chart-toppers like The Drifters and Gerry Marsden and the Pacemakers were also guests. As a girl, Jane would collect their autographs. They are now on display at the restaurant, along with signed photos of the entertainers.

The Black Horse Inn was then run by Jane's mother and father, who have a raft of stories from those days.

"Danny la Rue was quite outrageous," said Andrew. "He once drank all night with Jane's father and then, early on Sunday morning, walked through the centre of the village in this pink flowing gown.

"I think all the curtains in the village were twitching as people wondered what on earth was going on!"

In 2007, the Black Horse Inn hosted a reunion dinner for Roy Orbison's band. They travelled from across the world to the inn because The Big O loved it so much.

"He always said this was his favourite place to stay when he came to England. A lot of people don't realise that he had his second honeymoon here."

As the popularity of the variety circuit diminished, the inn hosted fewer luminaries.

But the Black Horse Inn still thrives and has stayed in the same family for 60 years. Andrew and Jane are celebrating 10 years in charge this year, and their daughter, Lydia, now works there.

Now restyled as a restaurant with rooms, the Black Horse Inn attracts guests from across the

world and regular diners from as far afield as Manchester.

"Food is the centre of the business," Andrew explained. "We have created a delicious menu with a modern twist, based around the best local Yorkshire ingredients and cooked by our team of six chefs".

"It's a unique place. For us, it's not a business, it's a way of life. We're here to make sure that everyone relaxes and has a wonderful time. To us, every guest is a star."