Royal Oak, Haworth: Closed Yorkshire pub set to reopen under heritage railway ownership
A pub in Haworth that closed in 2024 is set to reopen soon after being bought by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
The Royal Oak, which had been popular with residents and visitors, closed suddenly last year, prompting uncertainty over its future.
The building has now been acquired by the heritage railway, with plans to reopen the ground floor as a volunteer-run pub.
The upper floor, previously used as living accommodation, will be converted into office space for the organisation.
The Royal Oak was previously owned by Websters Brewery of Halifax before passing into private ownership. It had also previously recovered from flood damage.
According to the railway, the pub had long been used by staff, volunteers and visitors, particularly following the reopening of the line in 1968.
Sam MacDougall, one of the volunteers involved in the project, said: “Ever since our railway reopened in 1968, The Royal Oak was a favourite watering hole.
“The snug nearest the entrance was decorated with railway pictures and memorabilia and we were all dismayed when it closed so suddenly.
“We see our railway as part of Haworth and the wider Worth Valley community. Reopening The Royal Oak as a community pub is a way of giving something back to the village, without whose support we would not be here.”
The railway already operates hospitality venues including The Old Parcels Office at Keighley station, as well as refreshment rooms at Oxenhope and Oakworth.