The Flying Duck in Ilkley is the T&A's Pub of the Week

Those entering the Grade ll-listed York stone pub will pass beneath a doorway lintel bearing the date 1709, although there has been a building on the site since 1600.

Originally a farmhouse, the distinctive Church Street property, with mullioned windows and a traditional stone tiled roof, is referenced in Sir Nicolaus Pevsner’s famous architectural guides ‘Buildings of England’.

The Flying Duck is in one of Ikley's oldest buildings

It has had many different uses over the years including a coal merchants, shoemakers, sweetshop, dairy and, latterly, a restaurant and pub.

Formerly known as The Mallard and later The Albert, it was taken over by a consortium of local businessmen who carried out an extensive, sympathetic refurbishment, highlighting its stunning original features such as oak beams, 18th century stone walls and fireplaces.

Renamed The Flying Duck, the inn celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, and is our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week.

“It’s got a great atmosphere. There’s a lot of exposed stone including stone-flagged floors, surrounded by warming colours,” says pub operations director Gerard Simpson, who runs the hostelry with bar manager Alex Tennant and operations manager Kyle Hamilton.

The pub has exposed stone walls, stone-flagged floors and beams

The bar area

In a barn behind the pub, the consortium opened Wharfedale Brewery in 2013 - the third incarnation of Wharfedale Brewery, which dates back to 1756.

The brewery produces five core beers, a number of specials and a collaboration brew with nearby Ilkley Brewery, alongside other guest beers – including bottled beers from around the world - ciders a range of lagers, fine wines and spirits including speciality gins.

“We take pride in all the beer we serve, from keg to cask. All of our staff have a passion for beer, especially our own beer,” says Alex.

Customers at The Flying Duck’s can sit on the sun terrace and enjoy a drink while looking down on the brewing operation from a special viewing gallery.

Customers can look down into the brewery from the gallery. Picture: John M McGuire

The characterful function room hosts many events and acitvities

The pub attracts many visitors to the spa town as well as locals, some coming along to enjoy hearty, home-cooked food from the menu.

Burgers - including the popular ‘duck burger’ - pizzas and hot dogs are served, as well as toasted paninis and snacks, along with vegetarian and vegan options and a ‘ducklings’ menu for kids.

Dog-friendly, the Flying Duck has a regular four-legged friend Shep, owned by Alex and Gerard.

Shep the dog is a regular

Gerard with Shep

“We like to help with our residential community too,” says Alex. “Surprisingly, our old building has plenty of room upstairs, which includes a function room with a bar. During weekdays this room is regularly filled with different groups who need a space for music, meetings, board games, reading and various classes. It’s a lot of people to keep warm, so our real fire is rarely not lit.”

Brimming with character, the room also hosts family celebrations, weddings, christenings and wakes.

Singer/songwriter night in the functions room

For anyone interested in the brewing process, brewery tours and tasting sessions are held on Saturdays, while numerous entertainment events take place at the pub.

“We have a quiz every Tuesday, singer-songwriter every last Thursday in the month then live music every other Friday,” says Gerard.

*The Flying Duck, 16 Church Street, Ilkley LS29 9DR; theflyingduck.co.uk