Westbourne House
Business of the Week, Cafés, pubs & restaurants, Other services
If you’ve ever walked past Westbourne House, an elegant manor tucked away off Bradford Road, and wondered what actually goes on inside, the short answer is… quite a lot!
Built in 1840 by William Ackroyd, the Bradford industrialist behind Otley Mills (then the town’s largest employer), the building has been part of Otley’s story for nearly two centuries. It became a Masonic Lodge in 1965 and remains home to several Craft Lodges, but it has also taken on a much more public-facing role over the years.
Today, venue hire and events are steered by Blackmoor Dining & Events, with Commercial Director Solos Psarias and Executive Chef Danny Collins very much at the helm. Between them, they bring the sort of hospitality experience you simply can’t fake. Solos has worn just about every hat the industry offers — chef, manager, sommelier, marketing and commercial roles — while Danny is well known in Leeds culinary circles for his work in cookery education and private dining.
For anyone hiring the space, this translates into a refreshingly straightforward experience. You’re not just booking a room; you’re working with people who genuinely understand how events work. Whether it’s a wedding, a celebration, a corporate gathering or something more bespoke, the focus is firmly on great food, smooth organisation and making the whole thing feel easy rather than stressful.
Westbourne House itself lends a certain character you simply don’t get from modern venues. Grand without being stuffy, it comfortably hosts private parties, larger functions and even classes such as Pilates.
In practical terms, it’s one of Otley’s most distinctive spaces to hire — a historic setting backed by a team who know exactly how to look after guests.
- Listing ID: 2861