A KEIGHLEY couple have thrown caution to the wind and bought a pub during lockdown.

The Turkey Inn, at Goose Eye, Laycock, has reopened after being closed for 15 months.

New owners Steve Mortimer and Fay Howell say it is a dream come true and are keen to make sure the pub remains a focal point for locals and visitors.

Steve explained: "In March 2020, The Turkey Inn closed its doors and campaigners from “Save Our Turkey” managed to pledge over £60,000 to save the pub and stop it being turned into housing. However, it wasn’t enough."

He said he and Fay were keen to keep it the hub of the local community and purchased it.

Fay added: “When I first stepped into The Turkey Inn a few years ago I said it was a pub I’d love to own one day, and here we are. It’s quite surreal really."

Steve added: “When the pub came to market a number of people mentioned we should look to purchase it. The Turkey Inn is our local and has always been our stop at the end of a good walk and the go-to dining spot on a weekday evening if we didn't feel like cooking. Being dog and muddy boot friendly was always a bonus after a walk in the woods, or a fishing afternoon at the nearby Teapot

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“Lots of people thought we were mad buying a closed pub during a national pandemic, but it felt right and now we’re finally able to open. We’re excited about the future and are keen to take The Turkey Inn back to its roots, making it a traditional, country pub with roaring fires, a cracking Sunday roast as well as a spot to get home-cooked mid-week meals. We’ve kept all the traditional Turkey Inn features as well as adding some fresh ideas too, we’ve invested a lot of money into renovating and redecorating the pub to create an atmosphere for customers to enjoy. Lots of people thought we were mad buying a closed pub during a national pandemic, but it felt right and now we’re finally able to open."

Steve is a true local, having lived in the Keighley area all his life and most of his family live within a mile of the pub. He says that, in fact, back in the 1930s Steve’s family used to own it.

The core team, supported by an experienced front of house team, will be working hard pooling their talents in the business and hospitality industry.

"We want to embed the pub firmly back into the heart of the Goose Eye community. We will be doing everything we can to keep customers and staff

safe while enjoying a pint or a meal in a relaxed dining environment. The layout of the pub lends itself well to the current situation with lots of separate areas for tables - we’ll be using the space to give diners lots of room," Steve added.

Bookings must be made for anyone wanting to drink or dine at the pub and The Turkey Inn is dog friendly.