THERE ARE now only two pubs in Riddlesden, but they are both popular community pubs.

A pleasant day out can be had rambling along the canal and perhaps visiting the historic East Riddlesden Hall as well as taking in refreshments in the pubs.

The Willow Tree is situated in a residential area up the hill from the canal. It is a two-room free-house, served by a central bar. Beers are from local breweries and are ever-changing.

Some glazing from the long-gone Heys Brewery remains in the porch itself and there is a lovely round Heys window to the right in the main wall.

There is a lively programme of regular events, including quizzes and music nights.

There is a limited bus service (708) to this end of the village, otherwise the nearest bus stop is on the main road beyond the Marquis of Granby.

It’s downhill all the way from the Willow Tree: use the signposted footpath down the steps almost directly opposite the pub door.

The Willow Tree is due to be refurbished in the New Year. It has also recently been listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Keighley and Craven CAMRA.

As an ACV, the owner of the Willow Tree cannot sell it without telling Bradford Council. If this happens, community groups will be given up to six months to raise money to put in a bid to buy it.

The Marquis of Granby is a popular canal-side pub handy for East Riddlesden Hall, with an outdoor drinking area and a large car park.

It is divided into three distinct rooms: a comfortable lounge (often only open in the evening), a separate pool room and the main bar.

The pub was probably built at the same time as the canal (pre-1770) and named after John Manners (Marquis of Granby) who set up public houses throughout the country for any men who had served in his regiment for seven years.

Three regular beers are on offer: Black Sheep Best Bitter, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and Timothy Taylor Golden Best.

The Keighley and Craven CAMRA website is keighleyandcraven.camra.org.uk.

* Have you missed any of our previous articles written by local enthusiasts of the Campaign for Real Ale? If you want to see them, all you have to do is visit keighleynews.co.uk, click on What’s On then Food & Drink.