Pub of the Week: The Old Cock, Otley is a throwback to the proper pubs of old

“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.” So said the writer, moralist and all round polymath Samuel Johnson.
By Chris Bond
Published 26th Aug 2023, 06:00 BST

It’s a famous quote that can be found on the pub’s website and one the good people who run this popular Otley watering hole are doing their best to inculcate. For the Old Cock is a throwback to those ‘proper’ pubs that peppered our towns and cities back in the day. By proper I mean a place where the emphasis is on a warm welcome and a seriously good drinks selection. So if you’re after somewhere to watch the footy on giant screens that require their own postcode, then you should probably stop reading this now.

With its flagstone floor, wooden benches and jumble of eclectic prints and pictures that adorn the walls, The Old Cock has the look and feel of a pub that’s been here for centuries, helped by the fact the building dates back to 1755 when George II was on the throne.

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It’s been everything from a pottery to an antiques shop in the past, but only a real ale pub since 2010 when its owners set out on a mission to champion local micro-breweries. They were clearly ahead of the curve given the craft ale revolution that’s been happening ever since.

The Old Cock, OtleyThe Old Cock, Otley
The Old Cock, Otley

Here you’ll find cask ales from the likes of Theakston’s, Daleside, Bradfield and Bank Top, as well as draught cider and wheat beers from around the world. And it doesn’t stop there. At the last count there’s 33 malt whiskies to try, a tempting gin menu and a decent selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

So if you’re in Otley I can’t think of a better place to wet your whistle, and I reckon Mr Johnson would probably agree.

The Old Cock, 11-13 Crossgate, Otley. LS21 3NX. Tel 01943 464 424. www.theoldcockotley.co.uk

Related topics:Otley