A pub in Meanwood famed for its Sunday roasts and small plates has been crowned the Pub of the Year at The Great British Pub Awards 2021, with judges noting how it supported its community during the pandemic.
Coming out top in the Stonegate Group Pub Partners’ Pub of the Year category, the Myrtle Tavern was acknowledged as having become a hub for charity events and community initiatives since business partners Scott Westlake and Rob Vallance took over its management in 2011.
Image: The Myrtle Tavern
During the pandemic and successive lockdowns, the pub has stepped up for its regulars and locals: offering a befriending service to those who were finding lockdown lonely and hosting live quizzes to bring the community together.
The team at The Myrtle also helped those in need by dropping off parcels and even delivered Sunday lunches to some of their customer's doorsteps.
This, in turn, meant that the community gave back in kind too - donating to fundraising efforts that were set up to help the pub survive as lockdown continued for the best part of a year and government support for small business proved to be minimal.
Image: The Myrtle Tavern
Despite having been closed for most of 2020, the team managed to expand - finding, like many hospitality businesses, that the new covid restrictions required greater manpower.
Earlier this year, the pub even transformed its outdoor space into a "secret garden" with a big screen for films and sports screenings - making it even more popular and leading to thousands of bookings flooding in.
Image: The Myrtle Tavern
The co-owners found out they'd taken home the gong via a live-stream hosted by Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, and were absolutely thrilled with the result.
Scott said, "It has been a challenging time for the hospitality industry, and for us here at the Myrtle. We have faced many obstacles, but it’s taught us just how important a pub can be for the local community.
"We are honoured to have won and I would like to dedicate this award to my team and our loyal customers for all their support. I look forward to what is to come for the Myrtle Tavern this year and beyond.”
Image: The Myrtle Tavern
Sharing the news on social media, the team dedicated the award to on of their first customers, John Jordan, and thanked their whole 'Myrtle family' for their support:
"Over 3500 pubs in our category, down to 6 finalists and last night we were announced as the winner of Stonegate pub or the year.
"Overwhelming to say the least and we were shocked, Thank you to our Myrtle family and our customers for all your support.
"Dedicating this award to our friend and one of our first customers when we moved in 10 years ago, John Jordan who we still sadly miss. He would have loved to talk about this and wind us up."
To find out more about the pub visit its website here. Note that the kitchen is currently closed for refurbishment until 6 October 2021.
Feature image - The Myrtle Tavern
News
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
30th September 2021 
