The Black Bull Inn, in Birstall, reported a good night boosted by a fancy dress theme.

Licensee Melanie Chrzanowski said: "This year the theme was Disney and I went as Cinderella in rags. We also had a disco and karaoke and we enjoyed a good new year and Christmas period in general."

But at the Union Rooms, in Hick Lane, Batley, staff saw in the new decade with no customers to serve.

Bar supervisor Josh Grant said: "New Year's Eve was a disappointment compared with last year, when it was rammed. This year there was a rush between about 7.30pm and 9.30pm and then it was quiet. At midnight there were no customers left, just the staff, who went outside to watch the fireworks.

"I've no idea why it was quiet because other venues on Bradford Road were charging for entry. It was a bit of a disappointing Christmas all round. Our busiest day was Boxing Day, which was like a normal Friday night."

That picture was confirmed by club owner Jason Hardy whose venues include Jardy's in Birstall and Mungo in Bradford Road, Batley.

He said: "Mungo was busy, but not as busy as I'd thought it would be. I think a lot of people had a more family-orientated New Year at home.

"This could be because venues were charging on the door. At Mungo we charged £10. People forget that you have to pay the staff double on New Year's Eve and this pushes up the cost.

"Jardy's was quiet, but we expected that because we recently reopened after closing for three months."

The Cellar Bar in Station Road fared better. Manager John Barnes said: "We had a nice night. We had the jukebox on, it was busy but not so busy that we were on the run.

"We didn't charge on the door – that's the worst thing that happened, when pubs started doing that at the turn of the millennium.

"It stops people going from one venue to another and kills the night."

Simon Wilby took over the Wilton Arms in Batley three months ago and said the pub was building up trade.

He said: "We had a really good New Year's Eve. It was busy until about 10pm and then a lot of people left for the Golden Mile, leaving the rest to see in the new year with champagne."