T&A's Pub of the Week is The Watchmaker in Thornton

Forming part of South Square in Thornton village the inn occupies a prominent spot, its décor blending in perfectly with the historic surroundings.

Its names reflects the past use of the former 19th century workers’ cottages, with documents from Thornton Antiquarian Society has documents showing that in 1916 the space was taken up by a watchmaker’s workshop.

Lydia, Amy and Leonie outside The Watchmaker

Inside the pub Opening in November 2019, The Watchmaker is run by Amy and Gareth Abraham, who previously hosted pop up bars at local events including Thornton Gala and Saltaire Festival. This is their first permanent bar.

Gareth has worked in the licensing trade for more than 27 years, helping pubs and breweries with technical issues and installations.

“He has worked with local breweries including such as Timothy Taylors, Goose Eye Brewery, Salt Brewery and award-winning pubs such as The Record Cafe, Peacock’s Bar and The Exchange Craft Beer House to name a few,” says Amy.

“We realised the success these bars were having so decided to bring a bit of that to Thornton. Since opening we are very proud to say we won Bar of the Year in the 2021 T&A Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Awards, and are members of the Timothy Taylors Champion Club for pubs that go the extra mile.

"We are in this year's CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide and have received a 100 per cent Cask Marque at every spot check, for clarity, taste and temperature of our beer as well as cellar and bar hygiene.”

Amy with the 2023 Camra Good Beer Guide, in which the pub appears

Grade II-listed South Square opened in 1985 and has since become a bustling hub for the village with regular events and exhibitions, as well as being the home for a number of local businesses. It was refurbished in 2021.

“Since South Square was fully refurbished it has attracted many more visitors to the art galleries, community rooms, vegetarian cafe Plenty at the Square, Rushworths Fine Art Framers and ourselves. The beautiful community garden and courtyard is a great place for a bite to eat or a drink.”

Gareth has taken a back seat from the day-to-day running of the bar but is still involved behind the scenes The bar is now run by the couple’s eldest daughter Leonie, previously manager of The Peacock on North Parade.

Leonie won The Best Bar tender of the year Award at the Best Bar None Awards held in January 2023.

“With me and Leonie’s younger sister Lydia giving full support over the busy weekends, it’s a real family affair.”

Leonie, left, and Lydia, manning the pumps

Another look inside the pub

The Watchmaker offers four cask and five keg beers, along with craft beers and a variety of artisan gins and wines. “The summer drink at the moment which has been very popular, especially with women, is Aperol spritz, Pink Gin spritz and Pimms Sundowner,” says Amy.

Customers come from every walk of life. “Everyone feels welcome. We are also dog friendly. We hold events in conjunction with South Square and are planning our second beer festival which will be held on from Thursday August 24 to Saturday August 26, with food from Peacock Bar in Bingley and live music,” says Amy.

“We have a fun quiz night and Play Your Cards Right on the second Thurday of every month at 7pm, which is very popular.”

She adds: “We are a traditional pub with traditional values and everyone is welcome. We don’t tolerate anti-social behaviour. Our modest opening hours reflect our clientele and the utmost respect we have for our closest neighbours.”

*The Watchmaker, 1-2, South Square, Thornton BD13 3LD. Opening times: Wednesday and Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 3pm-10pm, Sunday 3pm-8pm.