Glass collector turned 19th century pub owner makes major investment

The owner of The Myrtle Tavern near Meanwood in North Leeds is making a major investment more that 15 years after starting as a glass collector at the establishment.

Scott Westlake has invested £50,000 in the country pub. Refurbishments include interiors, with original brickwork sandblasted back to its former glory, a renovated bar area, and a new kitchen.

A new custom built kids play area will be installed by early April. The 36 ft enclosed playground includes swings, slides and a climbing wall.

Westlake started at The Myrtle Tavern when he was 14 years-old as a glass collector, before taking over the pub in December 2015. He had managed the business for six years prior to this.

Westlake said: “I always dreamed of owning the Myrtle when I was younger, the pub was a big part of my life growing up and was my very first weekend job at the age of 14.

“Taking over ownership in December 2015 has been a massive career step for me and I’ve been lucky to have such fantastic local support which has put me in the fortunate position to invest money back into the pub.

“It’s an important landmark in the community and we wanted to keep the traditional pub feel but needed to add a modern twist to protect its future. I’m really pleased with the results. RDF construction have done a great job and have turned the whole project round in just over a week.”