Catherine TurnerFor years, the Blands Arms stood as more than just a public house in Micklefield, Leeds – It was the village’s living room, a place where neighbours became friends and stories were shared.
Since its closure on 31st March 2021, the absence has been felt deeply by residents who remember it not only as a watering hole, but as a vital thread in the fabric of village life.
“It was where you’d go to see a familiar face”, said one long-time resident. “You didn’t have to plan it. You just turned up, and someone would be there.”
For many, the Blands, as it was fondly named by the villagers, wasn’t just a place to drink – it was a social anchor, a space where generations mingled and newcomers felt welcome.
As the only pub in the village, its absence has left a noticeable gap in village life, especially for older residents. With fewer accessible gathering spaces, some have reported increased feelings of isolation, and local health workers note that loneliness remains a significant factor in declining mental wellbeing amongst older adults.
It is also noted that loneliness and isolation are not only issues for older residents; younger adults, singles, and many others can also be affected by the lack of public meeting and gathering places that encouraged connection and support. The closure of the Blands Arms has highlighted the importance of such communal spaces for connection.
The pub has deep historical roots in the village. It was originally part of a farm owned by the Bland family, who were Lords of the Manor from the 1600’s to the 1920’s and sole landowners in Micklefield between 1750 and 1830. The Blands Arms stood along the old Great North Road turnpike, serving as an overnight stop for Scots cattle drivers en route to London.
Today, the company is owned by Samuel Smith’s Brewery, based in Tadcaster – Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, founded in 1758.
The company is headed by Humphrey Smith, a reclusive and staunch traditionalist renowned for imposing strict rules across his pub empires including bans on music, mobile phones, and televisions. Smith owns a significant portion of Tadcaster’s town centre and has drawn criticism for allowing some properties to deteriorate. Nevertheless, he remains deeply committed to preserving the historic character of the brewery and its surroundings.
Dennis Best, (79) is affectionately known as ‘the local historian’ of Micklefield. Having spent his entire life in the community, he has been, and still is an exceptional active, productive, and positive influence, dedicated to preserving the village’s heritage and fostering community spirit.
Dennis recalls that the Blands was a traditional pub – a proper drinking pub where miners and farmers would gather for their well-earned pint or two. “On weekends, men and women would dress up in their finest clothes, crowding around the old upright piano as someone played familiar tunes. People loved it – throughout the generations, through the changes, and the years. It’s so much more than bricks and mortar its history and now it’s gone, and we want it back”.
Dennis’s sentiments echo many in Micklefield.
In recognition of its importance to the community, the Blands Arms was successfully nominated by Micklefield Parish Council as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in April 2023 – a designation that reflects its role in supporting social wellbeing and community cohesion.
Residents remain hopeful that the Blands Arms might one day reopen. With no other public house in the village, Micklefield lacks a dedicated space for informal connection – something especially vital as the population grows. New housing developments continue to expand the village, yet the absence of a central gathering place remains a concern for many.
Locals and the wider community believe that the pub could thrive again, both socially and financially. Its location, history, and emotional significance offer a strong foundation for success – not just as a business, but as a much-needed community hub.
Samuel Smith’s Brewery was approached for comment about the closure, but declined to comment.
