Raise a pint to The Woolpack as it marks 40 years '“ at 1970s prices!

YORKSHIRE drinkers will be raising a nostalgia-filled glass on Saturday as they toast the anniversary of their local pub's arrival in TV soapland.
Landlord James Downey.
 PIC: Jonathan GawthorpeLandlord James Downey.
 PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Landlord James Downey. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The Woolpack, in Esholt, near Guiseley, is selling beer at a mid-1970s price of 35p per pint to mark 40 years since it first appeared on what was then known as Emmerdale Farm.

Two nine-gallon barrels have been donated by Timothy Taylors and Moorhouse’s Brewery for the event, which runs from midday to 3pm and will include a collection in aid of Leeds’s Wheatfields Hospice.

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Landlord James Downey said: “What better way to start the anniversary celebrations than selling beer at Seventies prices?

Emmerdale characters Mr Wilks (Arthur Pentelow) and Amos Brearley (Ronald Magill) standing outside the Woolpack Inn.Emmerdale characters Mr Wilks (Arthur Pentelow) and Amos Brearley (Ronald Magill) standing outside the Woolpack Inn.
Emmerdale characters Mr Wilks (Arthur Pentelow) and Amos Brearley (Ronald Magill) standing outside the Woolpack Inn.

“We only have 18 gallons so we urge people to get here early before it runs out.

“To make it fair we are also limiting the amount people can order each time.

“As we are charging so little we hope customers will give generously to charity.”

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The Woolpack made its debut on Emmerdale Farm back on January 26, 1976.

Emmerdale characters Mr Wilks (Arthur Pentelow) and Amos Brearley (Ronald Magill) standing outside the Woolpack Inn.Emmerdale characters Mr Wilks (Arthur Pentelow) and Amos Brearley (Ronald Magill) standing outside the Woolpack Inn.
Emmerdale characters Mr Wilks (Arthur Pentelow) and Amos Brearley (Ronald Magill) standing outside the Woolpack Inn.

Tuesday’s exact anniversary of that original appearance is being celebrated with a belt-busting challenge inspired by the Man V. Food TV series. Participants will attempt to scoff their way through a giant Yorkshire pudding brimming with lavish servings of steak, chicken, sausages, beef, turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes and vegetables.

“The challenge is limited to 30 people and 27 have already enrolled,” said James.

“It will be an amazing spectacle and we hope there will be lots of people cheering them on.”

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Food lovers interested in taking part in Tuesday’s event – which starts at 8pm and is also raising money for Wheatfields – are asked to ring the pub on 01274 809495.

The Woolpack featured in Emmerdale Farm – rebranded as Emmerdale in 1989 – until the ITV soap’s move to its current purpose-built set at Harewood during the late 1990s.