New owners have exciting plans for the the historic Cross Pipes pub in Otley, as a pub and inn, but the future of the pub could be in doubt.
The current owner, Leonard Curtis Ltd, hasn’t accepted their offer, and the fear is that it may seek a higher price from a developer, regardless of the bid, leading to the loss of an historic pub.
The pub has been advertised for sale, and the bid to buy — a cash bid — is at the asking price of £240,000. The new owners intend to sympathetically refurbish the pub and install five letting rooms to boost tourism in Otley, as well as making the Cross Pipes a successful and attractive pub.
The Cross Pipes is one of Otley’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1762. It is also the only pub named the Cross Pipes in the country. It is currently in the hands of receiver Leonard Curtis. The cost of the refurbishment and the effects of the Covid lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis meant that the previous owner couldn’t pay a loan taken to refit the pub.
However, the new owners have the funds to carry out a full refurbishment of the inside and outside, as well as creating letting rooms. They are ready to start work straight away, meaning a bright future for the Cross Pipes with the investment it needs, having been underinvested in while in pub company ownership.
The Cross Pipes has Asset of Community Value status, but due to the pub being in the hands of receivers, the normal ACV process doesn’t apply. But with a pub bid at the asking price on the table – and a cash buyer – the future should be secure and Otley Pub Club is calling on Leonard Curtis and lender TFG Capital Ltd to sell the pub as a pub.
Estate agent Walker Singleton has stated “our client has decided that they will be inviting best and final bids by 12th July”, giving the impression that it will go to highest bidder, regardless of their intentions for the property.
“The loss of the Cross Pipes would represent a wholly unnecessary loss of a historic, unique pub, when there is a bid for it,” said a spokesperson for Otley Pub Club. “There is also not enough overnight/bed and breakfast options for people visiting Otley, so allowing the Cross Pipes to be lost forever would also stop it being used for this purpose going forward, as well as the loss of the pub.”
The club has made clear to the owner and future owners that it would vigorously oppose any applications to change the use of the pub. The National Planning Policy Framework states the importance of “the retention and development of accessible local services and community facilities”, including public houses. It makes clear that councils must “guard against the unnecessary loss of valued facilities and services”.
“The Cross Pipes is one of Otley’s oldest pubs, and it is really exciting that the prospective new owners intend to refurbish the pub and also look to operate bed and breakfast accommodation,” said Otley Pub Club chair, Rob Skinner.
“It would be a disgrace for the Cross Pipes to be shut for good when there is a cash offer at the full asking price. The pub has Asset of Community Value status, and although legally the current owners can ignore the process, morally they should accept the pub bid to ensure a positive outcome for all concerned.”
• Otley Pub Club is a community organisation run completely by volunteers who want to maintain the reputation of Otley as a ‘famous pub town’, by promoting, supporting, and preserving the town’s famous pubs and promoting Otley as a destination pub town.
