The Brown Cow in Bingley is the T&A's Pub of the Week

In its picturesque setting beside the River Aire, The Brown Cow is a magnet for people out for the day, whether walking along the river or enjoying the countryside in nearby St Ives Estate.

The Brown Cow at Ireland Bridge

“It’s a great location - we get a lot of walkers and cyclists stopping off. We have a lot of regulars coming from Bingley, and others from surrounding villages,” says Jo Hogg who has run the Ireland Bridge pub with chef husband Mat for the past eight years. “Some pop in for a drink and others come to meet up for a meal.”

The dog-friendly pub’s website features a useful map with walks that start and end there.

The inn - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - made the news after a Christmas 2015 flood, caused when the River Aire burst its banks, drowned the hostelry and neighbouring properties.

Jo and Mat had to endure a lengthy clean-up operation, before the premises were given an extensive refit. Since then, the Timothy Taylor inn has blossomed.

Jo and Mat are at the helm

The characterful pub is renowned for its food, providing ‘traditional and innovative’ home cooked fare. “We have a specials board where we like to show our flair, as well,” says Jo.

There's tasty fare on the menu

Popular dishes on the menu include hearty steak, mushroom and ale pie and sausage and mash. “Our pie goes down really well - it’s a shortcrust slab pie and it’s huge,” says Jo. “Our burgers are also very popular, as is pan-seared sea bass.”

Vegetarian and vegan options include roasted cauliflower curry and creamy tomato risotto.

Following the flood, the refurbishment included a gleaming new kitchen with a new, improved layout - “a blessing in disguise,” said Jo at the time.

This year that kitchen is being extended and further improved alongside work to create a large riverside beer garden and a new entrance.

“After the flood we knew that the cottages in the car park could not be lived in again and this is where the garden will be - it gets the sun too, we are very excited about it and can't wait for it to open,” says Jo.

Customers can enjoy a pint of popular locally-brewed ale

Customers will be able to enjoy the views across the river while supping the ever-popular Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and Knowle Spring blonde as well as other refreshments.

Currently the pub's outside space includes the Cow Shed, where events take place, and a covered area with heaters.

Weekly events include a weekly quiz on Tuesdays. “We have built that up over the years and have quite a few regulars who attend,” says Jo.

Steak night on Friday is a big hit and, once a month, The Brown Cow hosts live music featuring local bands. “That is very popular - the previous tenant started it and we carried it on.”

Jo praises their staff. “We are lucky to have a really good team. It was hard during Covid but our full-time staff stuck with us, we treasure them.”

*The Brown Cow, Ireland Bridge, Bingley BD16 2QX. Visit browncowbingley.com