The Manor House is just one of Otley’s many pubs that have provided numerous happy (inebriated) memories. What is not to love about a good drinking session especially when there is some live music.
Naming The Manor House
As befits an old town dating from before Roman times, there are stories of several Manor Houses.
- Remains of the old Archbishop’s Manor House were found during the construction of St Joseph’s RC Primary School near to the River Wharfe.
- Thomas Chippendale, the famous furniture maker, was born in Otley, and his statue stands in the town, next to the old grammar school he once attended in Manor Square.
- The site of the ancient Mansion of the Archbishop of York, at the north end of the town, is still denominated the Manor House. More on Genuki
- The Manor Club was a Gentleman’s Club until its closure after the end of its 100 years lease in 2002.
Pub Reviews – Love ’em or hate ’em
How dare I feature a Lancastrian brewery on these Yorkshire pages. Well I was keen to correct reviews I read about the Manor House near the Maypole in Otley. Absolute none-sense published about Yorkshire hospitality.
- ‘ Beware you feel like trespassing…. however, if you want a taste of traditional Yorkshire, complete with its pitfalls and whatnot, this place might well be perfect to you. A Thwaites pub through and through, they generally serve 3 ales, a dark mild, a bitter and a guest ale.’ (Aniela M). I like the Nutty Black when I am on a big drink but Lancaster Bomber is probably the top ale.
- ‘It’s not the most welcoming of pubs, but not many pubs in this town are overly welcoming. Because it’s a Thwaites pub it’s a bit of a favourite with the old gents of Otley, so anyone after anything lively or youthful should probably look elsewhere. Conversely, anyone looking for a traditional Yorkshire pub and some traditional Yorkshire folk should go no further than the Manor. Or anyone after some cheap ale.’ (Alex K) read more on Yelp
Well that is far from my own experience. I enjoy a visit to Otley to tour the pubs or go to the Church organised beer festival. Invariably I try to get into the Manor House, although it is thronged during Folk Festival weekend. One key reason for me is the ‘Mild’ which is a great session beer and I wish more pubs served it based on a heavy barrelage and through put.
I think a pub named after ‘The Manor’ is entitled to some airs and graces but that has never been my experience in this fine hostelry ( I am not looking for a free pint either)
