FOR THE past century a distinctively-shaped building in Bingley’s Main Street has welcomed people from the town and beyond.
Many will remember the Myrtle Cinema, which was once one of four in the town. It opened in 1921 and closed in 1964, when it was converted to a supermarket.
Today the building, with its large apex roof, thrives as a pub, The Myrtle Grove, taking its name from a local country estate dating back to the mid-18th century.
Part of the JD Wetherspoon stable, the hostelry - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - opened in September 2000 and has since been a popular destination for people of all ages to eat, drink and enjoy themselves.
Will Thornton, who grew up in Keighley, has been at the helm for the past year, and with Wetherspooon for a decade.
“The Myrtle Grove is in the town centre at the top of the high street and we are always busy, especially at weekends,” he says. “We get a good mix of families coming for meals, a busy lunchtime trade, people popping in after work and many regulars from the local community.
“We get a lot of walkers coming in too, who have come along the canal. We recently had a party of 26 walkers who came in for tea.”
Others are coming along to watch World Cup matches, being shown throughout the tournament on a big screen, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The pub's varied menu, which also has a children’s range, offers many pub staples including fish and chips, curries, burgers and pizza.
“Steaks and mixed grill are becoming very popular, especially as the weather is getting colder. In summer we sell a lot of lighter dishes such as baked potatoes and salads. Quite a lot of people order sharing starters, which are popular all year round.”
Ales include those brewed locally at Goose Eye Brewery, Saltaire Brewery, and Bridgehouse in Keighley. “We serve on average around 1800 pints a week,” says Will. “Our permanent ales are Chinook and 1872 Porter from Elland Brewery, alongside Greene King’s Abbot and Ruddles.”
Held once a quarter, ale tasting nights are a hit, as are gin tasting events. An ale festival is held twice a year in March and October.
The spacious pub has plans to expand into a neighbouring empty unit formerly occupied by the National Westminster Bank. Approved in 2020, the work, would include the first floor of the vacant bank being demolished to make way for a 1,300 sq ft beer garden/roof terrace.
“It will be exciting when that happens and good for the town,” says Will.
He praises the 40-strong team of staff. “They are a great, friendly team who create an enjoyable experience for customers. I am proud to be manager, it’s a rewarding job.”
Alternate Wednesdays see a quiz night and bingo night which go down well. “We get a lot of players.” The pub also hosts charity events. “This year we have done a London to Paris bike ride on static bikes and plan a rowing event soon.”
*The Myrtle Grove, 141 Main Street, Bingley BD16 1AJ
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