A POPULAR bar has a new owner and name after having a revamp.

The Yard Sports Bar, on Brook Street in Ilkley, will be converted into The Courtyard under Ali Allawa.

Ali has worked in some capacity at the bar for 12 years including in the role of General Manager.

Over the years, he has seen what customers like, and will be bringing all this experience together into what he feels is the perfect combination.

Ali is keen to ensure that hospitality is the number one priority and to ensure this is offered consistently he is making it a real family affair.

His wife Suzie will be assisting with the management of the bar and their son Mason, who already works in hospitality, will be learning the ropes with a view to taking over the business in the next couple of years.

Ali said: “I am thrilled to be taking this over as a family concern and putting our stamp on it.

"We can’t wait to launch our new menu and brings our ideas to fruition.

"We really believe in the concept of The Courtyard and would love to open more Courtyards around Yorkshire in the coming years, especially in Skipton which has been our family home for 13 years.”

Although the venue is closing for refurbishments for a few days from today (June 19) to spruce up its décor, customers will still recognise the ample and sunny outside courtyard and the continuation of its sports focus.

A re-opening celebration will take place for customers old and new this Friday (June 23) when everyone will be invited down to raise a toast with a glass of bubbly and some samples of the new menu.

With summer well and truly underway Ali is wasting no time and has already installed a pizza oven enabling them to serve homemade, fresh stone-baked pizzas as part of their menu, which will also still include their popular wings and other small plates.

Most of the menu will be available as a takeaway option.

He is also bringing back some other elements that have worked well in the past including the bar’s fresh coffee machine, cask ales and seven-day-a-week opening.

The official launch party will take place in July, when Ali has secured a sporting legend, one of his many celebrity sporting contacts to meet and greet guests and to formally cut the ribbon.