Black and white photo of an old two-story brick building with multiple windows and chimneys, labeled as 'Owd. Betts, Notden,' with a dirt ground in front and cloudy sky.

Owd Betts - A Legacy of Hospitality and Mystery

Scroll down to learn our story…

A vintage-style black and white logo featuring the silhouette of a man in profile within an oval frame, with a ribbon banner below that reads 'OWD BETTS' and 'ESTD 1796' at the bottom.

Bult in 1796 by Richard and Mary Ashworth, Owd Betts began life as a farmhouse on Ashworth Moor, beside the old turnpike road linking the growing mill towns of Lancashire with Halifax and Huddersfield. As the Industrial Revolution transformed the landscape, bringing mills, mines, quarries, and increasing numbers of travellers, the farmhouse found a new purpose. By the 1820s, it has become a coaching inn known as the Hare and Hounds, offering food, ale, shelter, and stabling to those making the journey across the moors.

The woman whose name would eventually become inseparable from the inn arrived a generation later. Betty Ramsbottom married John Ashworth in 1839, and by the 1840s the couple were running the inn and raising their children there. Life on the moors, however, was not always easy. The family lived through economic hardship, the decline of local industry, and the Lancashire Cotton Famine, before John died in 1866 aged just 49. Betty carried on raising the family whilst running the inn, and she became such a familiar local figure that the pub eventually became known simply as “Owd Betts”.

A table with a meal including a burger with fries, a pie, a bowl of mashed potatoes, a glass of beer, and a pint of stout, set in a cozy restaurant with sunlight streaming through the window.

After around 45 years behind the bar, Betty handed the inn to her daughter Alice and son-in-law Robert Roberts in the 1880s, beginning another chapter in an extraordinary family tradition. Betty died in 1893 and was buried nearby at St Paul’s in Norden, but her name remained above the door. Alice and Robert later passed the pub to their son John Ashworth Roberts in 1914. Through four generations, the Ashworth family had kept the inn alive for more than a century, through enormous changes in the landscape, social industry, and British life, before John finally sold it in 1922.

More than two centuries after Richard and Mary Ashworth first build their farmhouse on the moor, Owd Betts is still doing what it has done for generations: welcoming people through its doors. Its character and remarkable setting have since brought it to television screens in productions such as Scott & Bailey, Last Tango in Halifax, The A Word, Coronation Street, and Brassic. Yet behind all that history remains the story of one family, one remarkably determined landlady, and a little inn on the Lancashire moors that simply refused to disappear.

“The spirit of ‘Owd Bett,’ or Betty Ashworth, is said to still roam the corridors, a presence felt by many over the years. Reports of mysterious footsteps, unseen forces, and a general sense of her watchful eye contribute to the pub’s unique and slightly mysterious character.”
— Ghost Dimension: Flying Solo

Culinary delights

At Owd Betts, we pride ourselves on serving locally sourced food, ensuring that our seasonal menus reflect the best of what the region has to offer. Our culinary highlights include a renowned Sunday roast and a variety of traditional British dishes like Cheese and Onion Pie, Lancashire Hotpot & Rag Pudding. Our commitment to freshness and quality is evident in every bite.

A slice of white cake with a graham cracker crust served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream garnished with a small green leaf on a floral-patterned plate, with a pink rose in a white vase in the background.
Fried chicken served on mashed potatoes with gravy, garnished with shredded vegetables, on a white plate in a restaurant setting.
Two Scotch eggs with soft-boiled yolks cut in half, served on a white plate with a side of greens and dipping sauce.
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Close-up of a tap handle labeled 'Amber Ale' with the brand 'OWD BETTS,' featuring a description of the beer below, set in a bar or brewery with blurred bottles and lights in the background.

A fine place to drink

Our full bar boasts an extensive selection of drinks. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing ale, a fine wine, or a classic cocktail, our drinks menu is designed to complement our meals perfectly and cater to all tastes.

Cozy interior with a brick fireplace burning wood, a basket of chopped firewood nearby, and a small decorative shelf with flowers and a lamp. A wooden chair and a table with napkins are also visible.
A large, sprawling tree with branches spreading over a grassy area with several picnic tables beneath it. The area is enclosed by a wooden fence, with open fields in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A group of four people and a dog standing outside a restaurant called Owd Betts Inn. The group includes a teenage girl, a woman, a teenage boy, and an older man. The building has a brick facade with white-framed windows, hanging flower baskets, and a sign with a cartoon image of a man. The man is wearing a black striped apron, and the dog is black and white.
Black and white Dalmatian dog sitting on wooden floor in front of a basket of firewood near a fireplace with glowing embers.
A large stone building with multiple windows and a gray roof, surrounded by a stone wall and green trees, under a blue sky with a few clouds.

Owd Betts offers an inviting atmosphere with its cozy furniture, exposed brick walls, and a roaring log fire.

During summer, guests can enjoy the stunning views over the reservoir from our outdoor seating area.

The pub’s dog-friendly policy ensures that even your four-legged companions can partake in the experience

A Period Environment

Interior view of a cozy rustic pub or restaurant with a bar counter, wooden bar stools with green cushions, a brick wall in the background, and various decorations and items on the shelves.

A Community Staple:

Described as an “institution” by landlord Rhys Knowles, Owd Betts is more than just a pub; it’s a part of the local community’s fabric. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of history, hospitality, and a hint of the supernatural, making it a must-visit destination for locals and travelers alike.

Experience it for yourself - click here to book a table.