KNOWN for being 'social', North bar is a popular pub in Otley with a sun trap of a beer garden and stunning views.

It opened just eight years ago as part of the North Bar group based in Leeds which has been around for more than 25 years.

Matt Wheatley, the assistant manager has been there for three years, after moving over from another North bar branch in the centre of Leeds.

He said: "Our site was opened to become a social, cycling hub here in Otley and beyond which makes the name pretty self explanatory!"

"We've got a strong army of regulars that myself and all the staff consider friends more than anything first! From young families in Otley, people just coming for an after work pint or people that come in at the same time every week religiously and have been coming here we'll before I could even legally drink here!

"We get tonnes of families in here on the weekend and its been incredible to see you babies and toddlers grow up right in front of all the staffs eyes!"

He added that before North took over the building, it was a bottle shop, and was owned by one of their "regulars who now comes into the pub for a drink most Sundays."

The other half of the building was used as a bridal shop, explaining the unusual circular window on the front.

Matt said that the bar does not serve food, but has a selection of "popular bar snacks on offer," adding that " you can't go wrong with a pint of beer and a packet of scampi fries."

During the summer, the pub welcomes in independent food traders to provide food in the beer garden, which is renowned for its stunning views over 'The Chevin."

"Over summer the beer garden is incredible, its a bit of a sun trap and in the evening you get incredible views! This makes us pretty popular with tourists over summer looking for that end of walk pint or wine!

"We've had local Otley businesses make pizza, bigger street vendors serving falafel, one of our customers returning favourites is Luigi's Italian Street Food who makes incredible arancini trade in the garden!" he said.

The establishment does not take bookings, but there is a function room which is free to hire, and a food trader can be arranged for a specific event.

For more info, visit www.northbar.com/northbarsocial/