One of Pateley Bridge’s two town centre pubs will close today (October 22) for refurbishment following the retirement of long-term owner Robert Jackson.

Mr Jackson has owned The Royal Oak on Bridgehouse Gate in Bewerley for 23 years.

He announced in August he had decided to retire, and the pub would be under new ownership in October.

The last pints will be pulled today before the venue closes.

The Royal Oak posted on social media that Trust Inns, a pub company based in Chorley, would instigate a “major refurbishment”.

Trust Inns, which owns more than 350 pubs, specialises in buying pubs and renting pubs to tenants.

The Stray Ferret contacted the company for more details about the refurbishment, including how long it would take, but was told by a spokesperson: “The purchase of this site has not yet completed so currently we are not in a position to comment.”

It means The Crown on High Street will be the only pub in the town centre temporarily, although drinkers can also visit Pateley Bridge Club, also on High Street, as well as The Bridge Inn on Low Wath Road just outside the town centre.

Mr Jackson’s departure led to tributes from regulars. One said: “Always great atmosphere, great team and yummy food and lots of entertainment along the way.” Another said: “The Oak won’t be the same without you. Your steak pie will definitely be missed there is no pie like it.”