The Kings Arms, Keighley

I was staying at a camp site on the moors above Ilkley, and called in here on my way back from a day at the cricket in Sedbergh. This was the local Camra branch pub of the year, so I was expecting good beer. There were eight hand pumps with six beers on (this was a Monday), with four Yorkshire breweries represented, plus Jennings Cumberland Ale and Hawkshead Porter. I went for the Black Sheep Bitter, which was in good nick. This is a well used village local, but for some reason I didn't warm to it; probably had half my mind on that cycle ride up the hill to Ilkley moor. I wouldn't mind coming back another time if in the area. Date of visit: 1st July 2019

The Kings Arms is situated at the top end of Silsden on the main road to Addingham and Ilkley. Once inside the bar faces,the seating is comfy bench type and chairs,the main drinking room was very busy so i took my drink into the smaller square shaped room to the left,this room had a few pew seats and normal tables and chairs,it is also carpeted. There was a decent choice of real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Saltaire Blonde which went down well,the other beers noted were Saltaire Citra/Pale and Hoppfen,Bass and Rudgate Ruby Mild. The pub does food which is well priced and what i saw was decent portions. This is a decent and comfortable pub to have some decent drinks in. Now GBG 2016 listed. Pub visited 7/11/2015

The lounge is to the left as you enter and there a few punters eating Sunday lunch there on our visit. To the right is the comfortable bar populated by assorted locals enjoying the decent beer. Beers on as regulars are Theakston Best, and Saltaire Blonde. Guests on our visit were Wharfe Bank Tether Blond, Ossett Patriot Ale and Wensleydale Gold. All local and everything we tried, which was all of them except the Theakstons, was in very good condition. A good place to stop for a decent selection of well kept beer.

At the top of the village furthest away from the canal but worth every step.Through the front door there is a seperate lounge to the left,with the main carpeted tap room to the right with the bar, and bench seating running around two walls.Beyond this through an open doorway is a restaurant area while to the side of the bar there is a pool room. The King in the pub name is referenced to Elvis by a picture to the side of the bar,but I dont know if that is a later interpretation by the landlord.The internal decor is mainly painted wood panelling,so little in the way of authentic features but all was tidy and functional. Food was being served but not sampled by us.We were attracted by the GBG listing and were not disappointed by the condition of the five handpumped ales.Saltaire Blonde and Theakston's Best are regulars while the three guests on my trip were all blonde/golden in style which may have upset anyone looking for a range of styles,but suited me just fine. A proper community pub with quiz nights,jam sessions,open mic and bingo on different nights,the pub is welcoming to strangers and local alike. I can only agree this is probably the best pub in Silsden and one I would happily return

A three or is it four room pub although fairly open-plan, comfortable and friendly with rather excellent beers, a choice from six handpumps, all small breweries mainly Yorkshire ones but I had a pint from Loddon which is Hampshire based, I think there was a cider too, a flying visit so I didn't explore as much as I would have wanted to, there is a snug to the left then the main bar then another room to the right which might contain the pool table I didn't see or maybe another room lies beyond, upstairs I know is a function room with a non real ale bar, too far from the cellar I guess, it's been in the good beer guide for years which is not a surprise everyone I spoke to also said it's the best pub in Silsden and I can easily believe there wouldn't be a better one what a good place to spend a part of Bloom's Day as I couldn't get to Dublin.

By far the best pub in Silsden and a fine real ale venue (CAMRA award winner). Always has Saltaire Blonde on tap but other regulars at the pumps include from the Ilkley Brewery and various locals in Keighley. Other guest ales regularly served (expect at least 4 on a typical day). FANTASTIC home made food. Tap room, pool table room and two snugs. Nice beer garden across from the pub's small car park.