TO DESCRIBE the Dog & Gun as a family-run pub is a bit of an understatement.

Three generations of the Roper family work at the 17th century pub in its stunning moorland setting at Oxenhope.

Michael and Kathryn have run the pub for almost three decades, working alongside daughter Jodie Watt and her husband Ian.

Also lending two vital pairs of helping hands are grandchildren Brooke, 11 and nine-year-old Archie.

“Brooke and Archie help out on a weekend - Brooke works front of house waitressing, and Archie helps behind the bar,” said Michael. “They really enjoy it and it builds their confidence. It’s better than spending time on iPads and in front of the TV - and they get paid.”

Jodie helps in the kitchen, alongside talented chef Paul Cox, who has worked at the Dog & Gun for 17 years.

The characterful pub - with beams and open fires - is part of the Keighley-based Timothy Taylor’s stable, selling its range of beers. “The most popular is Landlord, famously quoted by Madonna as being her favourite drink,” said Michael. On a chat show in 2003 the pop superstar praised Landlord as the ‘champagne’ of ales.

For foodies, the Dog & Gun serves up an extensive menu including bar selections from sandwiches to giant Yorkshire puddings with a variety of fillings, to a range of appetising a la carte choices including ‘the famous Dog & Gun lamb Henry and jumbo haddock’.

“That’s really popular - it’s a 14 to 15oz fillet cooked in Timothy Taylor’s beer batter,” said Michael. “The lamb Henry is a shoulder joint of lamb that we marinade before cooking for five to six hours - it’s so succulent it falls off the bone.”

Ingredients are mainly sourced locally, with meat from Ellisons in Cullingworth. “We have been using Ellisons for the past 20 years, and our vegetables and dried products are from Class One greengrocers in Skipton,” said Michael.

As a ‘destination pub’ the Dog & Gun is a family favourite for Sunday lunch, as well as a stop for walkers keen to warm themselves in front of the open fires.

“We have some magnificent views towards Leeming Reservoir and Oxenhope.”

After so many years at the pub, the Roper family are firmly rooted in the community.

“Everyone knows us, no matter where we go - even when we are away on holiday - there will be someone we meet who knows the Dog & Gun at Oxenhope.”

“Twenty seven years is a tremendously long time to run a pub, and it really is a cracking pub,” said Michael. “You could not find a nicer pub in such a great location with such lovely countryside and a brewery that’s so good to work for - they were so supportive throughout the lockdowns.”

For the family, running the pub is a way of life, rather than a job. “We all muck in and love it - every day is different. You don’t know who is going to come through the doors.”

*The Dog & Gun, Denholme Rd, Leeming, Oxenhope BD22 9SN. Visit: dogandgunoxenhope.co.uk.

*Would you like to see your pub as a Pub of the Week? We would love to hear from you and hear about your hostelry.

Email: helen.mead@telegraphandargus.co.uk or emma.clayton@telegraphandargus.co.uk.