PUB OF THE WEEK: Ilkley Moor Vaults, Ilkley

“THE TAPS”, as this place was called in a former life, was a sticky-carpet/nicotine ceiling/artex walls kind of ale house, and while some of the good bits of it remain (flagged floors, beams, big open fires) the less salubrious aspects are history. Hooray!
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jul 2011, 01:00 BST

Joe and Elizabeth McDermott are examples of the new generation of pub-owners-with-a-conscience, serving thoughtful, value for money pub grub. They’re “slow food” devotees, and everything is made from scratch, including sausages, sauces, pickles, puddings and charcuterie. And the bread – ah the bread. Elizabeth makes sour dough daily. They have a veg and herb garden out back, so your salad can’t get much fresher. There’s a smoke house too, so such delights as pub-smoked sausage, picked peppers and mustard might feature. Ham terrine with pub-grown gherkins and toast is a wholesome, handsome plateful at a fiver; vegetarians are catered for with dishes like Moroccan spiced vegetable tagine with cous cous and mint yoghurt (£9). Puddings are along the lines of rice pudding and homemade damson jam and poached pear, gingerbread and marscarpone. There’s a “children under 12” menu of small person-sized portions of what the grown ups are having – this is a nugget-free zone!

But the Vaults is a great place to just meet your mates for a drink; there’s well-kept local beer and several good wines by the glass too. The vibe is relaxed and easy. Read the paper before gearing yourself up for a gentle stroll round the posh shops in town.

* Ilkley Moor Vaults, Stocksfield Road, Ilkley. Tel: 01943 607012, www.ilkleymoorvaults.co.uk

THE VERDICT

Welcome*****

Drinks selection*****

Atmosphere****

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