The annual guide, which has been published for the last 35 years, lists the best pubs across the country based on factors such as atmosphere, drinks available, and friendliness of staff. These 13 Leeds and Ilkley pubs have bagged a spot in this year's 5,000 strong list and have been praised for stocking local Leeds and Yorkshire beers, providing great food and their snug and inviting environments.
1. Kirkstall Bridge Inn
The Good Pub Guide said: "Welcoming traditionally renovated pub by bridge over River Aire; main bare-boards bar with lots of breweriana and other rescued items from closed pubs, well kept Kirkstall beers and several guests, generous helpings of reasonably priced food from deli boards and pizzas up, downstairs flagstoned bar (dogs welcome here) leading out to riverside garden; Weds quiz, some live music; handy for ruined Kirkstall Abbey."
2. Whitelocks
The Good Pub Guide said: "Classic Victorian pub full of character (if a little worn around the edges); long narrow bar with fine tiled counter, grand mirrors, mahogany and glass screens, heavy coppertopped tables and red leather seating, coal fire, five well kept regional ales, real ciders and enjoyable food; children welcome, tables in narrow courtyard, open (and food) all day, can get crowded at lunchtime."
3. The Roebuck
The Good Pub Guide said: "Smartly modernised 18th-century beamed pub; good food from sandwiches and sharing plates up including range of hearty pies, Black Sheep and three changing local beers, plenty of wines by the glass, friendly efficient service, log fire and woodburner, raftered restaurant with exposed brick walls and mix of old furniture including pews on wood floor; children and dogs (in bar) welcome, wheelchair access, tables out on terrace and small lawn."
4. The Old Cock
The Good Pub Guide said: "Traditional two-room drinkers’ pub with nine mostly local ales and a couple of ciders, also foreign beers and some gluten-free choices, no cooked food but good pork pies and sandwiches, more room upstairs; no under-18s, dogs welcome." Photo: Google
5. The Thornhill
The Good Pub Guide said: "Updated 17th-century roadside pub with wide range of enjoyable food including sandwiches, pub favourites and burgers, five real ales such as Theakstons and plenty of wines by the glass, friendly efficient staff; quiz Tues and Thurs; children and dogs welcome, seats outside." Photo: Google
6. Bar t’at
The Good Pub Guide said: "Extended Market Town Tavern with Black Sheep, Okells, Ilkley, Timothy Taylors and guests and a good wine and bottled beer choice, enjoyable well priced pubby food from sandwiches and snacks up, friendly service, candlelit cellar dining area; upstairs loos; children (until 9pm) and dogs (not downstairs) welcome, back terrace with heated canopy." Photo: Google