AN OTLEY pub has relaunched under new management.

Fred Bell, who runs the Half Moon Inn at Pool-in-Wharfedale, has signed a long-term lease with Punch Taverns to manage The Fleece, in Westgate.

The Otley pub was closed for a few days to allow some repairs to be carried out and have a new sign installed before re-opening earlier this month.

Mr Bell said: “The team and I are delighted to be partnering with Punch.

“We are enjoying working with them to re-establish one of Otley’s finest historic pubs.”

He added that new food and wine menus were being introduced to make the venue “a food pub that people are willing to travel to”.

He said: “Our chef, Martin Sutton, will be reintroducing a top-quality traditional menu with some fun, additional, continental specials. And we’ll be serving food every day, with gourmet sandwiches every lunchtime and traditional Sunday roasts.”

As for the drinks, a constant selection of at least eight real ales is being promised, including both national favourites and offering from local micro-breweries, along with specially-chosen wines.

The Fleece will also have regular live music and comedy nights, with two small areas of the pub available to hire out.

Mr Bell said: “Above all, we’re saying, ‘Welcome back’. Whoever you are, you can be sure of a warm welcome and we’re sure you’ll like it!”

The change also reflects a change in direction for Wharfebank Brewery. Its previous three pubs – which included the Fleece and the Half Moon – have all now been handed over on sub-tenancies to new landlords.

The Pool-based brewery, which teamed up with Punch to carry out a major refurbishment of The Fleece before re-opening it in 2011, says it wants to focus instead on its expanding core business.