A FAMILY hopes to breathe new life into their village pub when they re-open it as its new owners this weekend.

The Glen, based in Gilstead Lane, Gilstead, Bingley, was originally due to close for good in January this year.

But following what was described as "exceptionally low trade during December 2022 with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day" the previous tenants called time earlier than its original planned date and closed in December last year instead.

Now the site has been taken over by the Hartley family, who have lived in the village for the last 18 years.

The day-to-day running of the pub will be carried out by brother and sister, Byron, 22, and Ellie Hartley, 25, with their father, Brian Hartley, overseeing the pub.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Inside the new-look The Glen which is reopening on April 1Inside the new-look The Glen which is reopening on April 1 (Image: Newsquest)

The pub will open its doors to customers for the first time today (Saturday, April 1) at noon.

It has a capacity of around 120 people inside and also has a large beer garden.

The pub has previously served as a traditional social hub in the village and it's hoped this will continue. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The roaring fire offers a homely feel inside the pubThe roaring fire offers a homely feel inside the pub (Image: Newsquest)

The pub has undergone a makeover over the last three weeks ahead of its re-opening.

Brian, who is a self-employed builder, said he is delighted to be re-opening the pub in the village where he and his family live.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The pub has undergone a makeover before it re-opens after more than three monthsThe pub has undergone a makeover before it re-opens after more than three months (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “We’re excited for Saturday.

“It’s good to see it re-open. When we saw it closed down, we thought we were never going to get it back.

“For us to get the chance to revive it and breathe a little life into it, we’re very proud of it.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: One of The Glen's walls features a map of Gilstead One of The Glen's walls features a map of Gilstead (Image: Newsquest)

“The response to us re-opening the pub has been great on social media. A total of 3,500 people on social media have said they are coming.

“It’s looking good. The feedback from people in the village has been great. In the summer, the pub is a great place to be. It’s a meeting place.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The conservatory area inside the new-look pubThe conservatory area inside the new-look pub (Image: Newsquest)

“So many pubs are closing down and it’s a scary time. It’s a challenge. If we can make it work now, we can make it work at any time.”

Brian said he hopes the pub will cater for all generations and hopes to attract younger customers.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The outdoor space at The Glen includes a children's play area The outdoor space at The Glen includes a children's play area (Image: Newsquest)

It plans to also serve food in the near future, Brian added.

The Glen will be open Monday to Thursday between 4pm and 10.30pm; Fridays from 4pm to 11pm; Saturday between noon and 11pm and Sundays from noon to 10.30pm.