The Woodlands Hotel is Telegraph & Argus' Pub of the Week

Lee Marshall is proud to see The Woodlands Hotel reach the top spot. “That’s out of more than 500 establishments,” he says. “When we opened in February we started at number 398th so we are really pleased to get that number one position. It shows the dedication and hard work of all our staff.”

Lee outside his pub, which has topped Tripadvisor ratings

The Woodlands - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - has become a go-to destination for foodies.

The menus are, says Lee “simple yet high quality, with a little flair from the past - good honest pub food.”

Lee has achieved much as a chef, winning many accolades throughout his 30 years in the industry.

“I would call the food I am cooking at The Woodlands modern pub food, but I try and introduce my past into some dishes to add the element of surprise - it raises the bar to modern gastronomy but I don’t overdo it,” he says.

Lee has won many accolades for his food

One of Lee's imaginative dishes

Starting aged 12 as a pot washer, Lee has worked in the pub and restaurant industry for 30 years.

Born in Halifax, he has lived in Hipperholme for most of his life, studying as a chef at Thomas Danby College in Leeds. He later worked in Cornwall and in the French Alps, before returning to West Yorkshire and opening The Royal Oak in Queensbury with his parents.

Lee opened his first restaurant in Boroughbridge with wife Tammy, and started chasing the accolades with fine dining. “We managed rosettes and got into the Michelin guide,” he says.

“Eventually we bought the Design House restaurant in Dean Clough in Halifax and had it for 13 years, gaining 3AA rosettes, best restaurant in the Yorkshire Life annual awards, plus many more including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Halifax Evening Courier awards.

“We owned the Rock hotel in Holywell Green and gained similar accolades,” he says. “But unfortunately recessions hit and we lost pretty much everything.”

A look inside the characterful pub

Alongside the restaurants Lee and Tammy ran an outside catering company which took them all over the country. They catered for the commissioning party for HMS Duncan in Portsmouth, cooked for Prince Edward, and A-list Hollywood stars. They also held cookery demonstrations at venues like the Great Yorkshire Show.

“We still offer outside catering for parties and weddings,” says Lee.

The couple’s resume also includes a restaurant in Scholes called The House, as well as the Hare and Hounds in Hipperholme, the Sun Inn at Lightcliffe and the Duke of York in Shelf.

“Sadly Covid and a spinal injury hit us and we lost our pubs,” Lee says.

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He spotted The Woodlands online and it sparked his interest. “It had a chequered history and had been empty for six months. I spoke to owners Punch Taverns and after telling them all about my past experience they invited me to look inside.

“The next day I walked in I was blown away with the size of it. I could see what huge potential it had with letting rooms, a separate restaurant, three bar areas, a huge outdoor area and lots of parking - it was a no-brainer.

“I did the deal and spent the next six weeks cleaning and re painting - once we opened I was taken aback by the huge support of the locals.”

Special nights include curry on Wednesdays - called Taj Marshall - steak night on Thursdays and Fishy Friday. Saturday is BOGOF burger day and Sunday is our traditional roast menu. We also offer a small a la carte with some amazing pub classics.”

“It’s all very affordable and works really well - the nights get booked up very quickly.

The pub is welcoming and cosy

“We are looking at new menu ideas all the time. I love to surprise with my food, it could be in the dish or the presentation - its’ always nice to do something that people have never experienced before.”

The restaurant and bar hosts live entertainment every Friday night, with a few one-offs on Saturdays.

“We are looking at a few more themed food nights, and next year more live music events.”

Another of Lee's creations

Sky Sports is broadcast in three rooms showing all the Premier League football

He adds: “We aren't chasing accolades here, we just want it to be good, clean, honest hospitality - we want to go that extra mile for our customers.”

Even dogs have their own Mutts Menu, with dishes like the hound burger and the hot dog.

Lee and Tammy are looking at building a children's play area next year.

“It is just a fantastic all-round pub,” says Lee. “These are very hard to find and the feedback from our regulars is amazing. They love that I have given their pub a new lease of life.”

*The Woodlands Hotel, Mill Carr Hill Road, Oakenshaw BD12 7EZ. It closed for food on Monday and Tuesdays but the pub is still open.