BACK in 1822 mill chimneys dominated the skyline of Yeadon.
Belching out smoke, they typified such West Yorkshire towns, specialising in the production of woollen cloth.
As well as mills, the town boasted a number of inns, including The Clothiers Arms. This traditional stone-built pub is recorded in the Directory for Yorkshire, published in 1822, when the High Street hostelry was owned by a Joseph Long.
Soon after, it was run by a woman named Mercy Long - most likely a relative - who later emigrated to America, settling in St Louis before being widowed and joining a wagon train heading west, making her home in Salt Lake City.
Fast forward more than 200 years and The Clothiers Arms is still welcoming thirsty customers through its doors.
Now part of the JD Wetherspoon stable, which took over and refurbished the inn in 2013, it remains a popular spot to drink and eat and is our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week.
“It’s a real community pub - we have a lot of regular customers and staff know many of them by name. It has a great atmosphere,” says Lee Bastow, who has managed pub for seven years. “We are well-placed in the centre of town near the shops, the Post Office and main supermarket.
“It’s a building with a lot of history. Inside it’s light and modern but also has a cottagey feel - it’s a really nice pub.”
The extensive menu includes breakfasts, from traditional with bacon, sausage, toast, and all the trimmings to eggs Benedict and American-style pancakes with maple syrup.
“Breakfasts are really popular, it’s a busy time of day,” says Lee. “With main meals, steaks and curries are among the top menu choices - we have a curry club on Thursday night.”
He adds: “On Sundays we get a lot of families coming in to eat - it’s really nice to see the different generations. We also have a number of groups who come here to meet up socially, whether for something to eat or drink.
“Anglers sometimes come over after fishing at Yeadon Tarn, which is close by, and people who have been for a walk around the tarn pop in.”
For those who enjoy a pint, The Clothiers Arms has a good selection of cask ales, the majority from West and North Yorkshire breweries including Kirkstall and Wilde Child, both in Leeds, Ilkley Brewery, Saltaire Brewery and Goose Eye in Crossflatts.
Lee, who has worked for Wetherspoon for 15 years, starting in Berkshire before moving to The Turls Green in Bradford city centre and then Yeadon.
“I love my job - no two days are the same, and it’s great meeting so many different people every day, having a chat and getting to know them.”
The 35-strong team of staff at The Clothiers Arms work well together. “Some members of staff who have worked here for a long time,” says Lee. We all take pride in our work, and like hearing positive feedback - it’s nice know our efforts are appreciated.”
*The Clothiers Arms, 56 High Street, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7PP; jdwetherspoon.com/pubs
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