WHAT is believed to be Otley's oldest inn has reopened following a £193,000 revamp.

The Black Bull, on Market Place, has been given a comprehensive indoor and outdoor refurbishment by pub company Punch.

The work has included a full redecoration, installing new furnishings, flooring and lighting and, in the beer garden, putting in new planters and furniture.

New publican Penny Wells and her partner Brian King, who previously managed The White Swan, are well known in the town and have been enjoying welcoming customers.

Penny said: "Otley is a great town full of lovely people, and running a pub gives me the chance to be where I like it best - at the heart of the community.

"The Black Bull is a beautiful pub with lots of character and when the chance to run it myself came up it was too good an opportunity to miss."

Penny and Brian's plans for the new-look Black Bull include introducing a new menu and opening up early for breakfasts on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to coincide with market days.

The pub, which includes a selection of cask ales amongst is drinks range, will also have entertainment - including quiz and bingo nights - throughout the week.

Openings Manager for Punch, Samantha Ward, said: “The Black Bull is the oldest pub in Otley and this investment has helped secure its future for many more years to come."

"I’m sure customers will be delighted with the improvements we’ve made and the warm welcome on offer from Penny and Brian."

The inn is believed to date back to the 16th Century and a number of historical features - including a 16th Century stone fireplace and ancient wooden door - have been discovered during previous refurbishments.

Otley Pub Club, under its website listing for The Black Bull, states that: "It is believed that it is the oldest pub in Otley and the pub was allegedly drunk dry by Cromwell's troops on the eve of (the battle of) Marston Moor."