If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
A Stroll Beneath the Moor: Ilkley’s Best Pours
I spent the day exploring Ilkley, starting at The Crescent and taking in its history and relaxed, welcoming feel. From there I made my way to Fuggle & Golding Tap House, then on to Bini Brew Co, where it was great to be so close to the brewing itself. Each stop offered something a little different, which kept the day interesting as I went along. The Flying Duck stood out for its cosy, traditional setting, before I continued on to Bar T’at and The Ilkley Tap, both ideal for settling in with a pint. I also stopped at Friends of Ham, which had a great atmosphere and plenty to enjoy. I then called into The Station Pub before finishing at The Ticket Office. With good beers, friendly chats and welcoming spaces throughout, it made for a full and really enjoyable day.
Ilkley has a long and gentle story, starting out as a Roman settlement known as Olicana, set beside the River Wharfe. Over time, it grew into a small Yorkshire town, but things really picked up in the 1800s when it became a popular Victorian spa destination. People came for the fresh air, peaceful moorland and the promise of rest and recovery. The railway arrived in 1865, making it easier for visitors to come and go, and helping the town grow. Today, Ilkley still holds onto that relaxed charm, with its mix of history, open countryside and a strong sense of community.
The Crescent
The first call of the day was to The Crescent Inn. The Crescent Inn in Ilkley has been welcoming guests since 1861, when it first opened as the Crescent Hotel during the town’s rise as a popular Victorian spa resort. Visitors came for the clean air, moorland walks and a relaxing stay, and the hotel offered comfort right in the centre of town. Over time, it gradually became the pub you see today, while still keeping its original character, including its tall windows and grand setting. A careful refurbishment in 2021 brought a lighter, more modern feel, while keeping its history at the heart of the building for everyone to enjoy.
Inside the space feels warm and well put together, with a smart, traditional look that’s been carefully refreshed. High ceilings, dark wood detailing and large sash windows give it a bit of character, while soft lighting and muted tones keep things comfortable rather than formal. There’s a mix of seating throughout, from upholstered dining chairs around sturdy wooden tables to leather armchairs gathered near the fireplace. The main bar stands out with its classic woodwork, adding a proper pub feel to the room. Touches like framed prints, panelled walls and subtle lighting give it a more polished finish, but it still feels easy-going. Whether you’re settling in for a drink at the bar or sitting down for food, it’s a relaxed, inviting space that suits both.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, alongside a range of keg options to choose from. I went for Blonde Beauty by Dark Horse Brewery, a light blonde ale that’s crisp and easy to drink.
Fuggle & Golding Tap House
A short walk in brought me onto Fuggle & Golding Tap House. The Fuggle & Golding occupies a characterful building in the centre of Ilkley that has seen several uses over the years. Before becoming a bar, it was a retail space, reflecting the town’s long history as a busy shopping and spa destination. In 2015, it was converted into a small, independent pub, bringing new life to the building while keeping its central role in the town. After years as a well-known local spot, it closed on 28 February 2026, but quickly reopened on 5 March 2026 under new ownership by Horsforth Brewery, continuing its story.
Inside the space is compact but thoughtfully laid out, with a clean, modern feel that still keeps things relaxed. Large front windows let in plenty of light, especially around the window seats, while simple wooden tables and stools make the most of the space without it feeling cramped. Walls decorated with colourful beer cans add a distinctive bit of character, while overhead, exposed filament bulbs and a striking wirework ceiling feature give it a bit of personality without overcomplicating things. It’s an easy-going place where people can settle in with a drink, whether for a quick stop or a longer stay.
A fantastic line up on the bar of 10 keg lines, a cask ale line and a wide range of cans available in the fridges. I went for Limonata Sour by Holy Goat Brewing, a sharp and zesty sour with bright lemon flavour that’s crisp and refreshing.
Bini Brew Co
Along the road brought me onto Bini Brew Co. Bini Brew Co began in 2020 as a small, independent brewery founded by a local father-and-son team in Ilkley, initially brewing on a modest scale after starting out on a home kit. The brewery takes its name from Bini, a family cat named after the Spanish village of Binibeca in Menorca, reflecting the personal story behind the business. As demand grew, they moved production to a larger site in Leeds in 2023, opening a taproom there before returning to their roots in 2025, bringing brewing and a town-centre taproom back together in Ilkley.
Inside, the space is bright, welcoming and effortlessly stylish, with high ceilings, exposed brick and plenty of natural light. Seating sits alongside the brewing kit, so you’re right at the heart of the action, while wooden tables, warm lighting and a mezzanine level add comfort and character. Outside, a sunny seating area makes it just as appealing on a warm day.
A fantastic welcome awaits at the bar, with Georgie offering friendly conversation and excellent guidance through the beers, while meeting James adds another real connection to the brewery. On the bar you’ll find two cask ales, ten keg lines, and a strong selection of cans and bottles. I went for A Sheep’s Car Named Desire by Bini Brew Co, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
The Flying Duck
Next up was to The Flying Duck. The Flying Duck is set in one of Ilkley’s oldest buildings, originally built as a farmhouse in 1709. Over time, it was used as a dairy, shop and restaurant before becoming a pub. It reopened in 2013 under its current name, a nod to its earlier identity as The Mallard Behind the pub sits Wharfedale Brewery, housed in a converted barn. The brewery, established here in 2012, revives a historic name first used in 1756 in Wetherby, linking the pub to one of Yorkshire’s oldest brewing traditions.
Inside it feels like a proper old pub full of character and warmth, with low ceilings, exposed beams and solid stone walls giving it a snug, lived-in feel. Cosy corners are dotted throughout, from sofas and small tables to fireside seating with a real stove set into a large stone fireplace, making it easy to settle in. There’s plenty to catch the eye too, including a striking reclaimed ‘Family Butcher A. Haigh’ sign that adds to the sense of history and personality. Upstairs, the space opens out into a lighter room with more seating, while outside there’s a covered terrace and additional seating area that’s great in better weather. There’s even a glimpse into the brewery, adding an extra layer of interest and reminding you this is a proper working pub as well as a place to relax. It’s welcoming and somewhere you’ll happily linger.
It was fantastic to meet and chat with Gerard, the manager, when we arrived, whose warm welcome and genuine enthusiasm immediately set the tone. On the bar there’s an excellent line-up, with eight cask ales, a cider, and a strong range of keg options, offering plenty of choice and showcasing the pub’s clear commitment to quality and variety. I went for Blonde by Wharfedale (Flying Duck Brewpub), a light blonde ale that’s clean and easy to drink.
Bar T’at
A short walk around the corner in Ilkley brought me to Bar T’at. The Bar T’at opened in October 1999, created from a former china shop in the centre of Ilkley. Rather than being an old pub, it was carefully converted into a new space for people to eat and drink, giving the building a fresh purpose. Its name is a playful nod to the Yorkshire song On Ilkley Moor Baht ’at, a well-known part of local culture. Since opening, it has stayed much the same in spirit, becoming a familiar and welcoming place where locals and visitors can meet, relax and enjoy good company together.
Inside the space feels warm, inviting and full of character, blending a traditional pub feel with a slightly more contemporary touch. Seating ranges from cosy booths and small tables to comfortable window-side spots looking out onto the street, with plenty of natural light adding to the relaxed feel. There are lots of thoughtful details, from bold patterned wallpaper and framed prints to softly lit corners that make it easy to settle in. It’s clean and well looked after without feeling formal, striking a great balance between relaxed and polished. Outside, a spacious cobbled beer garden with plenty of picnic benches and a covered seating area makes it just as appealing in good weather. Whether you’re stopping in briefly or staying for the evening, it’s a genuinely welcoming place where it’s easy to unwind.
A selection of 5 cask ales on the bar to choose from, along with a great selection of keg options and even more in the fridges. I went for Three Swords by Kirkstall Brewery, a strong pale ale with bold hop flavour that’s smooth and refreshing.
The Ilkley Tap
A new bar for me to visit in Ilkley was The Ilkley Tap. The Ilkley Tap opened in September 2024 in a former restaurant in the centre of Ilkley, giving the space a fresh start as a pub. It is closely linked to Ilkley Brewery, an independent brewery founded in 2009 that helped revive brewing in the town after many years. The tap brings that connection into the centre, creating a place shaped by local brewing. While the building itself isn’t an old inn, it reflects a newer chapter in Ilkley’s story, offering a welcoming spot where people can meet, relax and spend time together.
Inside the space feels bright, lively and full of character, with a long, open layout that naturally draws you in. The main area has a sociable flow with seating along both sides and a steady buzz of activity, while upstairs on a raised area there are quieter spots with tables and softer seating if you fancy something a little more relaxed. Large windows and a high, light-filled ceiling keep it feeling open, with warm lighting and greenery adding to the atmosphere. There’s plenty of personality too, from the striking illustrated brewing mural running along one wall to a colourful display of pump clips celebrating the brewery’s range. It’s welcoming, well thought-out and somewhere you can easily settle in.
On the bar a fantastic line up of 8 cask ales along with a superb keg range of 12 choices. I went for K-POP by Ilkley Brewery Co, a pale ale with bright citrus hop notes that’s light and refreshing.
Friends of Ham
Onto Friends of Ham next. The Friends of Ham opened in 2015 in the centre of Ilkley, bringing a relaxed bar and kitchen to the town. It is part of a small Yorkshire-based group that began in Leeds in 2012, built around a shared love of good food and drink. Since opening, it has become a familiar spot in Ilkley, known for its warm, informal atmosphere and social feel. Set within the town’s Victorian centre, it reflects Ilkley’s long tradition as a place where people come together, offering a friendly space to meet, chat and spend time together.
Inside the space feels warm, lively and full of character. The front area is bright and sociable, with high tables by the windows where people gather, while the main room has a more relaxed feel with wooden tables, bench seating and a striking log burner set into the wall. There are plenty of thoughtful details throughout, from the bold “HAM” signage to quirky décor like the pig illustration and antlers. The lighting is soft and warm, helped by low hanging lamps and feature fittings that add to the atmosphere. It’s open and busy without feeling crowded, with a natural flow between spaces, and even an outdoor terrace for when the weather’s good. Altogether, it’s an easy place to settle in and spend time, whether you’re catching up with friends or just stopping by.
3 cask ales and 14 keg lines on the bar so lots of choice, along with more choices in bottles and cans. The food menu is well worth sampling with some delicious options including sharing boards. I went for Sundialer by Verdant Brewing Co, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s soft and juicy.
The Station Pub
Back towards Ilkley Railway Station and into The Station Pub. The Station Pub sits right by Ilkley railway station, an area that has been at the heart of the town since the line opened in 1865. The site has long been linked to travellers and railway life, with earlier nearby hotels serving passengers arriving in the growing Victorian spa town. Over time, it became a pub in its own right, keeping that close connection to the station. Today, it reflects that heritage, offering a welcoming stop just across the road, continuing the tradition of giving people a place to meet, rest and spend time together.
Inside the space feels warm, relaxed and comfortably traditional. Dark wood panelling, patterned wallpaper and soft, golden lighting give it a cosy, slightly classic feel, while the layout breaks into a few distinct areas. There’s a mix of seating, from high tables and stools to more tucked-away corners with leather chairs, making it easy to settle in wherever suits. The main bar is a clear focal point, with people naturally gathering around it, while TVs and background chatter add to the easygoing atmosphere. It’s busy without feeling cramped — the kind of place where you can stand with a pint or find a quieter spot and stay a while.
A selection of 3 cask ales on the bar to choose from along with a range of keg options. I went for Landlord by Timothy Taylor’s Brewery, a classic pale ale with gentle citrus notes and a smooth, balanced finish.
The Ticket Office
Last up in Ilkley before the train home was to The Ticket Office. The Ticket Office is set within Ilkley’s Victorian railway station, a building that dates back to 1865 when the town grew as a popular spa destination. The space was originally part of the working station, used by passengers buying tickets and moving through the platforms. In recent years, it was carefully converted into a pub, giving the room a new purpose while keeping its railway character. Today, it continues the station’s long tradition as a place where people pass through and gather, offering a warm, relaxed setting right at the heart of Ilkley’s railway life.
Inside the space feels full of character, with a clear nod to its railway past. Dark wood, panelled walls and decorative ceilings give it a smart, traditional feel, softened by warm lighting from chandeliers and hanging fixtures. The bar sits at the centre, with a mix of seating around it, from open tables to more comfortable booth-style corners. It’s lively without being crowded, with an easy, sociable atmosphere throughout. Small details stand out, especially the table reservation cards styled like classic train tickets, adding a bit of personality. Outside, a large seating area provides plenty of space to sit and enjoy a drink when the weather allows.
A house cask ale on the bar, alongside a nice variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Ticket Office Blonde by Ilkley Brewery Co, a light blonde ale that’s smooth and easy to drink.
Micropub Adventures 