Bakeries, Pubs & Shops – The Essential Otley Guide

Head to Otley for seemingly endless pubs, unique shops and an undeniably cosy vibe.

Tucked away in the Wharfe Valley north of Leeds, Otley is home to a lot more than its famous Chevin, the picturesque hill that rises above this pretty market town. It’s a place known for its fairs, its place in history and its vibrant market place.

Oh, and any number of pubs – quite possibly too many to count. It’s really easy to get to, so, what are you waiting for? You won’t be short of things to do in Otley.

Where to eat in Otley

While Otley can’t boast the restaurant scene of Ilkley, or the destination dining hotspots of, say Horsforth or Chapel Allerton, you certainly won’t go hungry here.

In fact, there are some fab places to feed, with everything from curry houses to bijou Thai eateries, cracking pub grub and top-notch chippies. Here’s our pick of where to get some scran.

Tapas & Tunes

Bread with ham, rocket and cheese on top on a yellow plate

Delivering exactly what is says on the tin, Tapas & Tunes offers the taste of Iberia downstairs, with a lively music spot upstairs. In doing so, it has plugged a couple of gaps in the Otley scene, making it a great place for a whole night out.

Dine on top tapas – punchy pimientos de padron are highly recommended – and perfect pintxos, then head upstairs to see a local band, open mic nights or tribute acts. Boquerones and banging music? Sounds like a plan!

Tapas and Tunes, 50 Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HJ.

Buon Apps

Italian food on a plate at Buon Apps in Otley

Long a local favourite, Buon Apps has gone from strength to strength since relocating to its current riverside home. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to be on a sunny day, while the addition of a deli means you can get some wonderful Italian grub to take home.

The restaurant still does all the classics with aplomb, while specials such as hake fillet with guanciale ham and the vegan wellington show they’ve got tricks up their sleeve too.

Buon Apps River Lounge & Italian Restaurant, Hartley House, 50 Mill Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1FE.

Fare

Coffee, wine, charcuterie, cheese – Fare knows how to speak the language we all love. From the good people behind Boss Burgers, Fare is a deceptively simple place, which trades showiness for expert knowledge. In other words, the cheeses here don’t come out of a tube – the Baron Bigod brie is worth the journey alone – the brews are proper and the wines are wonderfully selected.

If you’re looking for things to do in Otley, this is the place. Drop in for a bite, or book in for one of their expert tasting nights.

Fare, Unit 13, Orchard Gate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3NX.

Underground Bakery

Prepare to drool over the deliciousness because The Underground Bakery has unveiled its baked genius to the people of Otley – who have responded by queueing out of the door. Everything from cruffin to croissant is freshly baked, and the sourdough is superlative.

Don’t miss the Marmite rolls which fly out, or sweet treats such as an almond croissant. Throw in great breakfast sandwiches and you’ll be joining the queue too.

The Underground Bakery, 10-10A Boroughgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AL.

A Casa di Alessia

Pizza at A casa di alessia in Otley

With a kitchen overseen by the oh-so-Italian Alessia herself, A Casa di Alessia is a friendly and informal eatery where Roman-style pizza is the main event. The menu changes regularly, but expect to find the likes of spicy salami with pecorino and wild mushrooms, an addictive spicy broccoli and Italian sausage or the veggie artichoke with tomatoes and olives.

You’ll also find soothing pasta dishes, awesome arancini, excellent coffee and a mouthwatering range of Italian desserts.

A Casa di Alessia, 5 Orchard Gate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3NX.

Where to drink in Otley

Pubs open, pubs close but one things stays the same – Otley is absolutely rammed with them. From old-school classics where the welcome is as warm as the fire to modern brew-bars, they’re all here.

You can put a pub crawl together without walking more than 200 yards in Otley, and almost everywhere is exceedingly dog friendly. Never mind the Otley run, here’s a little run through Otley.

North Bar Social

Tables and benches outside North Bar Social in Otley

North Bar Social is a slice of craft beer heaven in Otley. It’s incredibly friendly, decorated with vintage furniture across a small downstairs bar and an equally snug room upstairs. There are even benches and tables outside, perfect for alfresco drinks.

As you’d expect, they have a great range of North’s own beers on offer, plus an ever-shifting range of guests. It’s a dog-lover’s delight too, with many a regular dragging their pooch in on the way back from a walk.

North Bar Social, 8-10 Bondgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AB.

The Old Cock

A warning to tall people – step into The Old Cock, as you certainly should, and you’ll have to watch your head. This old stone building might have low ceilings, but that just enhances its cosy charm, especially in the colder months when the log-burner is crackling away.

It’s full of friendly locals, walkers who’ve descended from the Chevin for a restorative pint and those who know that this is one of the best beer pubs in Otley.

The Old Cock, 11-13 Crossgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1AA.

The Roebuck

Up the hill on the way out of Otley, The Roebuck is well worth the diversion from the town centre. Inside it’s all wooden beams, wooden floors and wooden chairs, a roaring fire and the smell of something good coming from the kitchen.

They’ll pull you a pint of Black Sheep or something from Saltaire Brewery to enjoy while you wait for one of their justly celebrated pies. The slow-cooked steak and real ale pie is a winner, but there’s not a duff choice on the menu.

The Roebuck, 1 Roebuck Lane, Newall with Clifton, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 2EY.

The Junction Inn

Arrive from Leeds and The Junction is the first pub that greets you. To be fair, you may not get any further into the town if you stop here. All wood, stone and low ceilings, it’s dripping in charm and with a bar that’s well stocked in your staple drinks as well as some unusual craft ales.

Head to the back for a game of darts, warm yourself by the open fire in winter and enjoy the live acts that are a regular fix of the calendar at this beloved local boozer.

The Junction Inn, 44 Bondgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1AD.

Shopping in Otley

Otley packs a lot in for shoppers, from the pretty much daily market in the pretty square to indie bookshops, handsome arcades, jewellery shops and more. You can hardly swing a very small cat without hitting a charity shop.

As it’s an old town, there aren’t that many chains, making it the perfect place to pick up something unique, whether that’s a framed picture, homemade food or waste-free stocks and supplies for home.

The Art Works

If you’ve got a picture or print that needs framing, look no further than The Art Works. The problem is, you probably won’t be able to leave without buying another print, or a card, or something else that champions local artists and artisans. It’s that kind of place.

The custom and bespoke framing they offer is excellent, which is why they have numerous corporate clients and why Olympians such as the Brownlee brothers head here to get their memorabilia framed.

The Art Works, Courthouse Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AN.

Like Nana Did

Like Nana Did is a refill and reuse shop that is championing sustainable shopping in Otley. Bring in your containers and fill up on flour, pasta, spices and more, or get your empty oil bottles refilled, all cutting down on waste.

They have everything from coffee beans to pet food, lentils to toilet roll. You can even get sustainable stationary, household goods and gifts, and they can provide containers if you don’t have your own.

Like Nana Did, 14 Orchard Gate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3NX.

Weegmanns Butchers

Otley is spoiled for butchers, and there’s a hot competition for the best pork pie in town. Is it the one offered by Middlemiss across the square, or do the queues outside Weegmanns at lunchtime tell their own story?

Make your own mind up by trying both, while also picking up a great range of meats, prepared cuts and deli-counter deliciousness such as dripping and potted beef. If a pork pie isn’t your thing, Weegmanns do stacked roast meat sandwiches as well.

Weegmanns Butchers, 6 Market Place, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AQ.

Bookshop on the Square

Over the last few years, The Bookshop on the Square has been transformed from a pretty anonymous place for discount books, into a charming shop with real character.

As well as a great range of classics and the latest bestsellers, there’s also a curated selection of local authors and books about God’s Own County, aimed at the many visitors to this part of the region. Throw in prints, gifts and a great collection for children and it’s hard to leave without buying.

The Bookshop on the Square, 28 Market Place, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AQ.

Things to do in Otley

Otley is a busy place. There’s always something in the calendar, whether it’s a Victorian fair, a farm show or a bike race. Beyond that, there are open mic nights, poetry performances and folk shows to chance upon.

You get the sense that Otley knows how to entertain itself and is rarely at home twiddling its thumbs. Here’s our pick of some of the highlights, but there’s waaaaaay more to discover.

Otley Courthouse

The exterior of Otley Courthouse in Leeds

A converted 19th-century magistrate court – complete with cells – Otley Courthouse opened in 2004 as an arts centre, and has been a key part of the town’s cultural life ever since.

A comprehensive, diverse program of events covers everything from comedians to film screenings, music and lunchtime recitals. It hosts events such as Otley Science Festival, and draws names such as Rob Newman, Henry Normal and Robin Ince.

Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AN.

Otley Ghost Tour

A woman leading the Otley Ghost Tour

With a history dating back to Saxon times, it’s no surprise that Otley is host to myths, legends and spooky stories. You can explore these in the company of Turnip Fish Theatre Company, who bring a sense of performance to their one-hour ghost tours of the town.

You’ll get some potted history and tales of long-dead characters as you head through the cobbled streets, and you’ll even end the night with a drink in an allegedly haunted pub. Spook easily? There’s an under-15s tour too that’s a little less creepy.

Otley Ghost Tours are run by Turnip Fish Theatre.

Wharfemeadows Park

Lined with pretty chocolate-box houses, Wharfemeadows Park is one of the prettiest places to pootle in all of Leeds, never mind Otley. There are landscaped gardens to one side, the river to the other, with swans and ducks splashing around.

You can join them with a boat ride, or wander further down the river, past the dramatic weir, for a waterside walk. Here you’ll find a a great play park and the Riverside Cafe, offering snacks and ice creams.

Wharfemeadows Park, 1 Farnley Lane, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 2AB.

Walking the Chevin

A bench overlooking Otley Chevin Forest Park

Otley Chevin is a huge ridge that lives cheek-by-jowl with the town, providing a place for leisure, exploring and more. It’s criss-crossed with walkers of all levels every day of the year, something that peaks with the arrival of Otley Walking Festival every June.

Head to the top and you’ll be walking in the shadows of an old Roman road, and there are several official trails to follow, including a geology trail that follows eight marker stones. Reach the top and head to Surprise View for a great vista – if you’ve worked up a thirst head to The Royalty, just opposite.

Otley Chevin Park overlooks Otley.

Otley Folk Festival

Running for over 30 years, Otley Folk Festival has become a real fixture in the town’s cultural calendar. It takes place over a single weekend in September, and the town comes alive with the gentle strumming of acoustic guitars and no-frills performances at a variety of venues.

The refurbished Otley Parish Church is the main hub for many of the shows, but you’ll also find things going on in The Black Rose, The Labour Club and a family folk day at St Josephs School. If you want to make a weekend of it – and many do – they even have a campsite on Pool Road.

Otley Folk Festival takes place every September.

Where to stay in Otley

Whether you live in West Yorkshire or are visiting, there are plenty of reasons to stay in Otley. There’s all that stuff above, for starters, as well as it being very much a gateway to the joys of North Yorkshire.

Make a base here and you can see all the town has to offer, then venture to Harrogate, Ilkley and further, with the verdant splendour of God’s Own County to unlock.

Chevin Country Park Hotel

Credit: Phil Sproson

Set in 32 acres of birch forest above Otley, Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa draws on the serenity of its surroundings to relax its guests. Well, that and the spa treatments you can indulge in – wake yourself up with the Elemis morning lakeside reviver, why don’t you?

It’s a dog-friendly place, meaning it’s the perfect base for exploring Otley, a town that is basically run by dogs. Take your pick of rustic-feeling hotel rooms, woodland cabins and self-catering lodges – the plush Swaledale has a private hot tub facing out into the trees.

Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa, York Gate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3NU.

The Horse & Farrier

A bedroom at the Horse and Farrier in Otley

Credit: Brew York

This long-standing pub with rooms was welcomed into the Brew York fold in early 2024 and still ticks every box you want from an inn. It has cosy rooms upstairs and, down in the bar, eight keg and six cask lines. On a sunny day, spill out into the courtyard and grab a bench.

Rooms include a standard double and a family room that sleeps up to four, both en-suite, so you can make a weekend of it and use the pub as the the base for exploring Otley, Ilkley and beyond. Hungry? You’re surrounded by restaurants, while the pub invites street food vendors in.

The Horse & Farrier, 7 Bridge Street, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 1BQ.

Clarion Lodge Campsite

A glamping hut at Clarion Lodge in Otley

Credit: Clarion Lodge

There are options galore at Clarion Lodge, whether you want to pitch a tent, pull up your caravan, hire a holiday cottage or even set up base in one of their glamping pods. The latter are heated, have a kitchen area and you can invite your dog in for an extra charge.

If you’re travelling as a bigger group, have a look at the cottage with its five bedrooms, wood-burning stove and great communal and outdoor spaces. Camping prices are reasonable and you’re only a short stroll to the nearest of the plentiful Otley pubs.

Clarion Lodge Campsite, West Chevin Road, Menston, West Yorkshire, LS29 6BG.

The Penny Bun

A glass of Ilkley Brewery beer on a table with a glass next to a sofa at

Sat snugly between Otley and Ilkley – and therefore the perfect place from which to explore both – The Penny Bun is a country inn that has been lovingly and imaginatively restored in recent times. It has five bedrooms with an eco edge and lovely touches like an in-room pour-over coffee kit.

If you fancy a night in, the pub has a glorious candle-lit snug, well-priced draught ales and a truly special menu that includes slow-braised Estate pie with tamworth pork, wild and sustainably caught market fish, and Sunday roasts from beef and pork reared at the nearby Denton Reserve.

The Penny Bun, West Lane, Askwith, Near Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS21 2JQ.

Andrew Porter-Emery Senior Writer

Andrew joined the Leeds-List team in 2021, bringing with him 20+ years of experience and a thorough knowledge of Yorkshire. He’s a regular at the city’s gigs, a foodie by nature and an all-round sociable kind of guy who loves nothing more than catching up with friends or even just reading a book in the pub.

Brilliant Bakeries, Dog-Mad Pubs & Indie Shops – The Essential Guide to Otley