“MOST days we could fill our tables twice over.”

Since opening for outdoor service on April 12, The Stansfield Arms has been inundated with calls for table bookings, and staff are doing their best to accommodate people.

“We are getting hundreds of enquiries,” said front of house manager Jak Locker. “With the sun shining everyone wants to come to the pub. It is a great atmosphere - people have been taking selfies as they have their first pint.”

Although it is wise to book in advance at the Apperley Bridge inn, some walk-ins are able to be seated. “People can be lucky, but we are very busy. In the first week we reopened we averaged more than 400 customers every day.”

An existing marquee has been extended, with extra tables allowing an additional 30 diners to be safely seated. The large, south-facing terrace is a sun-trap on warm days.

Added Jak: “On an evening there is a real buzz. We have patio heaters and chandelier heaters to keep people warm when it gets chilly. We have cushions, sheepskin rugs and even blankets and hot water bottles in case anyone gets too cold.

“People have been enjoying the new cocktails on our menu, such as passion fruit Martini. It is great to be back talking to customers and seeing them having a good time.”

The characterful Virginia-creeper-clad pub, which dates back to 1543, has many regular customers who have missed coming along. “We are also seeing a lot of new faces,” said Jak. “A lot of new houses have been built in the area so people are coming along for a drink, and we are close to the railway station too.

“Some people pop in during a walk along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and River Aire, which are close by.”

During the first lockdown the inn offered takeaways on Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, “just to say ‘we are still here, still open for business, come and support us.”

“This year, during lockdown, they operated the Stansfield Snack Shack, on weekends and bank holiday weekends. It was the idea of head chef Stuart Lawler, and aimed at the many passing ramblers and cyclists.

“It was so popular it could have been a business in itself,” said Jak, who has worked with Greencliffe Taverns, of which the Stansfield belongs, for 12 years. The company, - run by twin brothers Chris and Nick Green - also runs the Brownlee Arms in Horsforth and the Old White Horse in Bingley.

“We also sold home-made brownies made by Nick’s daughter Harriet, which went down a storm.”

Now meals at The Stansfield are being served at tables, with popular dishes including sausage and mash, pies and Sunday roast. A wide selection of sandwiches includes Yorkshire pudding wrap and chips, haddock buttie and grilled cheese and ham. “Stuart loves being back at work - he has been with the company since it was set up in 2004 and runs the kitchen like a military operation,” said Jak.

Two years ago The Stansfield underwent an extensive refurbishment after a £250,000 investment from Ei Publican Partnerships. The inn belongs to Ei’s national network of pubs.

Lockdown presented opportunities to do a few extra jobs . “It’s is all spruced up, nice and fresh, ready for May 17,” added Jak. “We are all looking forward to that day.”

*The Stansfield Arms, Apperley Lane, Apperley Bridge, Bradford BD10 0NP Tel:0113 250 2659 Email: hello@thestansfieldarms.co.uk