Friends of Ham, Ilkley

I found it slightly less pretentious than the Leeds establishment, perhaps 5 years mellows a place or the dik -head staff have moved on? There were a couple of yummy mummies and ankle biters present but not a problem. A two roomed affair with a rear outdoor seating area under a big brolly with a separate entrance, table service only which to be fair is in keeping with its (pretty much) restaurant not a pub or bar status. I suppose you can just drink here but as my choices were Greggs or ‘spoons I chose to eat here. The food (a toasted sandwich) cost £8.75. Basement toilets, three cubicles; unisex, unisex with nappy changing, ladies only; naturally I left the seat up. Three pulls but Mary Jane or Three Swords only were available so I went for the Kirkstall and it was a decent pint. Keg choices were 11 varied beers and a cider, this included two beers from Ilkley and one from the very local Bini Brew, nothing to moan about in the others either. Beers are available in 1/2, 2/3, or pint measures. A touch too middle class for many, including myself, I expect.

Official site of Friends of Ham - friendsofham.com

Official site of Friends of Ham - friendsofham.com

The Friends of Ham is situated just up wells road from the train station. Once inside the bar faces,the seating is normal tables and chairs,there is also a separate room to the rear which is down one step,this room is square shaped and has a stone floor,the seating here is comfy bench type and normal tables and chairs,there are candles on the tables,this room seemed quite intimate,the sort of room to have a drink with the wife or girlfriend. I had a drink of Ilkley Tribus which went down well,the other beer noted was Ghost Zenith. There were more real ales on the bar,but it was too busy to note all. I prefer this one to the Leeds pub. Pub visited 7/11/2015