OTLEY Pub Club has toasted the reopening of The Black Horse.

New owners Kirkstall Brewery and Brudenell Social Club have carried out a major refurbishment of the inn and hotel since taking it over in the spring. The work, which has involved a considerable investment, has focused on restoring key features of the building to show off its Victorian heritage.

The Black Horse is now up and running again, serving drinks and food seven days a week. Its revamped upstairs function room is also available for hire and for live music events, which will be overseen by music promoter Nathan Clark from Brudenell Social Club.

Otley Pub Club has praised the new owners for completing a ‘stunning refurbishment’ which Steve Holt, the owner and founder of Kirkstall Brewery, played a key role in.

Club President Greg Mulholland said: “We were delighted to join Steve and some of the team at the Black Horse to toast the re-opening and stunning refurbishment of this iconic Victorian coaching inn.

“The Black Horse is now a destination pub and the décor is magnificent thanks to the investment, hard work and attention to detail by the team who have restored it so superbly.

“Already local people have been hugely positive about the pub, the food and of course the beer! We look forward to the next phases of investment and will continue to support Kirkstall and Brudenell in their work to making the most of this important hotel and venue.”

The next stage of investment in the property will involve refurbishing its nine bedrooms, while there are also plans to convert the outside stables area into a bar and live music venue.

The pub club’s Membership Secretary, Eddie Conneely, added:: “It is great to have the Black Horse as the wonderful inn it always could have been, thanks to this beautiful refurbishment. The food offer, as well as the beer and other drinks, are excellent and it’s already popular with people of all ages.

“It’s also hugely positive that they are investing in the hotel rooms.”