Where to eat, drink, shop and enjoy yourself in Otley

Set against the stunning backdrop of The Chevin ridge, the charming market town of Otley is brimming with shops, restaurants and charming cafes, writes Claire Schofield.

On top of that, the area has superb walking and cycling potential - perfect for a bit of outdoor adventuring.

Eating

Indulge in a classic afternoon tea at Little Corner of the World (Photo: Shutterstock)

Westbourne Spice

Specialising in traditional Kashmiri, Pakistani and Mughlai style cuisine, this popular Indian eatery welcomes you to experience the exciting, exotic flavours of India, with an array of spices suitable for all tastes.

Visit: Bradford Road, LS21 3LS - westbournespice.com

Salami & Co

Run by a husband and wife team, dog-friendly coffee house Salami & Co offers a selection of tasty brunch-inspired dishes, homemade cakes and freshly brewed coffees.

And if you bring along your pet pup, the cafe will also provide a menu for dogs so no one has to miss out on a treat.

Visit: 10 Market Place, LS21 3AQ - salamiandco.com

Buon Apps River Lounge and Italian Restaurant

Bringing a slice of Italy to Otley, enjoy stone-baked pizzas, pastas, authentic Italian main courses, and a selection of handpicked wines in beautiful riverside restaurant, Buon Apps.

Visit: Hartley House, 50 Mill Way, LS21 1FE - buonappsotley.co.uk

Little Corner of the World

This snug, boutique style tearoom serves a range of cakes and savoury snacks, to be enjoyed with a warming pot of tea or coffee.

Treat yourself to an elegant afternoon tea, or opt for a hearty cooked breakfast, toasted sandwich or wrap to set you up for the day.

Visit: 7 Boroughgate, LS21 3AG - littlecorneroftheworld.co.uk

M’deena

Tuck into a delicious menu of Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine at this stylish eatery, with plenty of meat and vegetarian options, alongside a selection of decadent desserts.

Be sure to try the classic baklava, made with two pieces of layered filo pastry, nuts and honey, and topped with a scoop of ice cream.

Visit: 12 Market Place, LS21 3AQ - mdeena-otley.co.uk

Otta’s Leah

Serving a tasty British menu using locally sourced, seasonal produce (including fruit and vegetables from their own allotment), this popular eatery cooks up breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Visit: 13 Boroughgate, LS21 3AG - ottas-leah.com

The Roebuck Pub

Priding itself on its offering of good, honest pub food, this cosy inn serves everything from hearty pies, succulent steaks and fresh seafood, to a range of irresistible homemade desserts.

Visit: 1 Roebuck Lane, Newall With Clifton, LS21 2EY - roebuckpub.co.uk

Drinking

Enjoy beers from all over the world at one of these great Otley pubs (Photo: Shutterstock)

North Bar Social

Extending its reach outside of Leeds city centre, North Bar brings its impressive selection of world beers to the heart of Otley.

Sample some of the finest ales in the cosy and laid-back atmosphere of North Bar Social.

Visit: 8-10 Bondgate, LS21 3AB - northbar.com

The Royalty

Perched on the top of Otley Chevin, this welcoming inn is home to satsifying food, great drinks and glorious views that are hard to beat.

Enjoy a glass of wine or one of their Camra LocAle cask ales in front of the warming fire.

Visit: York Gate, LS21 3DG - the-royalty.co.uk

The Historic Otley Ale Trail

Make a night of it and enjoy the best of Otley’s traditional pubs by following the Historic Otley Ale Trail, which will guide you around all of the town’s watering holes and show you where Otley’s ‘lost pubs’ used to be.

More info: otleypubclub.co.uk

Things to do

Enjoy a leisurely stroll, or try your luck on a pedalo in Wharfe Meadows Park (Photo: Shutterstock)

Otley Chevin Forest Park

Stretching across 180 hectares, the Chevin Forest Park boasts spectacular views over Otley and offers great facilities for walking, mountain biking and picnicking.

Check out Friends of Chevin Forest Park for a number of downloadable guides and trails to follow on your visit.

Visit: LS21 3DD

Wharfe Meadows Park

Situated alongside the River Wharfe, this scenic park is great for leisurely walks, picnics by the water, or a mosey down the river on a pedalo or boat.

Visit: Farnley Lane, LS21 2RW

Otley Courthouse

This unique arts and resource centre is run by local people and hosts a variety of classes, workshops, events and entertainment throughout the year, from film screenings to yoga and mindfulness classes.

Visit: Courthouse Street, LS21 3AN - otleycourthouse.org.uk

Shopping

Head along to the charming Otley Market every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday (Photo: Shutterstock)

Otley Market

Held in Market Square every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, this bustling market features around 100 open air stalls selling a variety of goods, including food, clothes, gifts and household items.

Visit: Market Square, LS21 3HE - leeds.gov.uk

Earnest Weegmanns

Since opening in 1869, Weegmanns has been a must-visit Otley landmark, renowned for its famous pork pies, sausage rolls, handmade meat pies and wholesome hot meals.

Visit: 4-6 Market Place, LS21 3AQ - weegmanns.co.uk

Bondgate Bakery

Selling freshly baked breads, cakes, traybakes, pasties and quiches (along with a range of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options), Bondgate Bakery is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth or pick up a tasty lunch while on the go.

Visit: 30 Bondgate, LS21 1AD - bondgatebakery.com