YE Olde Crown is one of Bradford’s oldest pubs, dating back to the early 19th century. Now it has a new look taking it into the future, with an extra floor to accommodate more customers and a soon-to-be-unveiled roof terrace.
Regulars flocked to the historic pub when it re-opened last weekend, and events manager Ellen Boyle says there has been great feedback on new facilities installed during lockdown.
“We’ve got new toilets, new lighting and railings around the stage area, and we’ve gone up a flight of stairs to make more room for seating,” said Ellen. “The roof terrace will be open in the next week or two. We’ve re-decorated and there’s a new-look green room for when music acts start coming back.
“We’ve followed Government guidelines; our doorstaff take people’s names and contact details when they arrive then show them to the seating. People seem to like being served at tables, we’ve had nice comments on how well organised it is. We’ve got about 10 hand sanitisers in the main room, and more in each toilet cubicle. There’s space for about 75 customers; it’s half capacity right now which isn’t ideal, but that’s how it has to be.”
Enjoying the pub in pre-coronavirus times
Ivegate in the 19th century, when the Olde Crown first opened
The pub has re-opened with a new look
Ye Olde Crown, built on the edge of a quarry, was a pub from about 1805. Earlier this century the building was a bingo hall and gaming arcade before closing several years ago. It re-opened as a pub in 2018 following a major refurbishment and has played a central role in the renaissance of Ivegate, the city centre’s oldest street.
The pub is particularly popular for live acts and vintage nights. “We’ve got a really good reputation for live music and the acts that I book can’t wait to get back,” said Ellen, the pub’s resident DJ. “Our Vintage Tuesdays, featuring 50s and 60s artistes, are packed; people come from across the North, as far as Newcastle. We have 80s nights, reggae, ska, scooter bands. I’ve been bombarded with messages asking when music nights are starting again. We can’t have live music for now so we play recorded songs that our customers like.
“This is an iconic pub, people have many fond memories of it. Lots of couples met here - we’ve even had some marriage proposals here! We had a reunion of friends who first met up here 45 years ago.”
New railings around the stage area
New seating and the staircase to an extra floor
Adds Ellen: “The pub industry brings a lot to the economy, we’re excited to be open again. We’ve got five staff and three doormen. Our manager, Ryan Glenn, is a fabulous young man and very popular with customers.”
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Ye Olde Crown is one of Bradford's oldest pubs
New toilets are part of the pub's new look
* Ye Olde Crown, 23 Ivegate, Bradford. Open 9am-10pm weekdays and Sundays, and 9am-midnight Saturdays. Tel. (01274) 500310.
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