Bradford Lad: Ale And Hearty At The Royal
There's just one additional thing that would make Mike Coatesworth's favourite pub the perfect place...
A pub called The Royal has been my local for a number of years. During the time I have been a regular a number of licensees have run it.
Recently the pub was closed for refurbishment prior to new tenants taking over the license. This time there are two licensees, Christine and Becky, along with their husbands Jim and Lee. On a Friday night the doors opened again and a large party was laid on, along with karaoke as the new landladies wanted to celebrate their first night.
The new licensees seem to be my kind of people, down to earth, and there is talk of building a ramp for my wheelchair rather than me having to struggle step by step at the back door. The pub looks a lot brighter, but it does need to be wheelchair-friendly.
When I was a lad The Royal had a tough no-nonsense landlord who was respected by his customers. Then there was nothing particularly notable about the pub, but it was the main place where locals met to chat and discuss business. Long ago I went in there hoping to buy a glass of beer. That landlord, knowing my family and realising I was under-age, prompted me to ask for a soft drink.
I meet some good mates in The Royal. We have a laugh together, but sometimes there is serious talking.
All that's need now to make it the perfect public house is that ramp.
