The Layman’s Guide to the World Famous Otley Run of Leeds
There’s only one thing that students love more than drinking, and that’s themed drinking. In Leeds, that’s what the Otley Run provides.
With 15 bars over 2.5 miles, Saturdays in Leeds will always see Headingley and Woodhouse Lanes littered with people in fancy dress, in various stages of inebriation, having a drink in each establishment along the way.
The local community embraces it. Bars are proud to be part of it. It’s a good day out.
Below, the run’s 15 bars are broken down into a very basic guide.
Phase one: Far Headingley
15:00 – 16:30
Woodies Ale House, The Three Horseshoes, The New Inn
The pubs in Far Headingley tend to cater for locals watching sport and eating meals, so starting late can be a little uncomfortable, especially in fancy dress. Still, walk in with your head held high – they’re used to it. A lack of loud music makes up for the crowding from Leodensians and fellow Otley Runners, so get to know people you aren’t familiar with while you can.
This stage also offers the best value for money, as well as fine local ales. Woodies is home to the quickest pint, whereas the Horseshoes is more drink-orientated, yet smaller. The New Inn is the best of the three. It’s got plenty of communal seating, but is the last toilet stop before a long walk – so make the most of it!
Phase two: Headingley
16:30 – 19:00
The Arc, Headingley Taps, The Box, The Skyrack, The Original Oak
The busiest of the stages is the dealbreaker because of the quick succession of bars and the more negative effects of the associated alcohol. If you feel rough, get a soft drink – there’s no valour in dying on your feet this early. You’re here to have fun, not pass out.
Arc is a swanky establishment, so save your notes for this part of the run. Still, the outdoor terrace upstairs is wonderful, and the perfect place for a man dressed as a dinosaur to perhaps get chatting to a superhero. By contrast, the Taps (opposite) is cheap, packed and full of Runners. The Box is similar to Arc and upstairs has the best beer garden on the run.
Two traditional pubs, the Skyrack and Oak, are cheap but the latter is often too busy. Maybe have two pints in Skyrack instead.
Phase three: Woodhouse Lane
19:00 – 21:00
After a ten minute walk, you finally arrive at Hyde Park (but the fresh air does you good!). There’s cheap drink, loads of people, and lots of space. Library is a Scream bar, so it’s a little more expensive and less glamorous. After this, pick up pizza from Lucky’s (£1 a slice) then move to Packhorse and Eldon. These are, traditionally, quick stops – another soft drink may be needed, though…
Phase four: Final stretch
21:00 – Whenever
The Fenton, Strawberry Fields, The Dry Dock
The Fenton is VERY local. People often skip it, opting for a couple of cocktails in Strawbs instead. Kick back in this cool stop with a White Russian, “The Dude” style, but don’t leave it too long as the final stop, the Dry Dock (a converted boat and a Leeds landmark), has random closing times. Getting in before 11pm is recommended.
So there’s your basic guide to the Otley Run. Don’t overdo it! It’s a great social event – possibly the best Leeds offers – so focus on socialising, not drink. Enjoy the walks between, too – that’s when the best conversations happen.
The most important thing? Look after your friends and yourself. It’s a wonderful experience, but only if you have fun and no-one gets ill, or worse.
Photography by Tom Blackwell, IQ and smcgee
Recent Comments