New lease and life for Leggers Inn

Joel Graham has taken over the Leggers Inn and plans to tranform the historic building into a thriving live music venue.

“I think it’s got great potential - there’s a large function room and a perfect outside area for summer. The marina is a little hidden oasis,” said Joel, who formerly worked at the West Riding and the Old Turk.

The pub’s previous incarnation traded on its reputation as a real ale haven, and Joel hopes to keep the tradition going.

“It thrived off the real ale, and I want to re-introduce Yorkshire beer from local breweries. I’m planning bi-weekly music evenings and the calendar is filling up.”

Regulars and new customers have already given the new Leggers their seal of approval and are enjoying a basic food menu featuring pub classics such as pie and peas and bangers and mash - with Joel promising them change from a fiver.

Although it has only been open as licensed premises since 1998, the period building was once used as a stable block and hayloft, and Joel has been careful to retain its original character.

“The bar area has a nice open fire and I’ve decorated it with a lot of old relics and pictures of canal boats.

“I think Savile Marina can become a great destination - it’s a lovely location which a lot of people don’t know exists. We have a children’s playground here, a canal walk and it’s great for cyclists and walkers.”