Otley is a Market Town, within the governance of The Metropolitan Borough of the City of Leeds, West Yorkshire. There is also another Otley somewhere near Ipswich in Suffolk, which can occasionally causes confusion. The Otley in Yorkshire is in an area called Lower Wharfedale, and the River Wharfe splits the Town in half, with the Town Centre being to the South of the river, but the majority of residences to the North. It was once believed that it had more pubs per head of population than any other Town or City in Great Britain, and whilst some of these pubs have since closed down, there are still probably 20 Pubs, Clubs and Bars – more than enough to cater for a population of less than 15,000 people!

One of those surviving Pubs is the Black Horse Hotel which stands in  a imposing Town Centre position, overlooking Manor Square and the statue of Otley’s most famous Son, English Cabinet Worker Thomas Chippendale, whose creations still grace some of the World’s finest residencies. It is an iconic Victorian Pub, beautifully restored recently by Leeds based Kirkstall Brewery. The Black Horse serves food and have letting rooms, details available direct from the Hotel.

The Black Horse hosts Otley Folk Club, who meet every Wednesday Evening in the upstairs room, with a Guest Artist one week, with a Singer’s Night  the following week with the opportunity for local singers and instrumentalists to take to the floor and display their talents. An entry charge is made to help offset the cost of Room Hire and the Guest Artist fees! The upstairs room is not disable friendly.

On Wednesday 9th April the guest Artist is Pete Coe, who’s been described as “A one Man Folk Industry“, with over 50 years of  contribution to the English Folk Music Scene. Together with his wife Sue, they received the Gold Badge Award from EFDSS (English Folk Dance and Song Society) for ‘Outstanding Contributions to Folk Dance, Music and Song’

There will be an admission charge, payable on the door on the night of performance.