Bar T’At

Ilkley is one of those places that anyone with half a mind to see a bit of yorkshire should have at least considered paying a visit too. And a five minute walk from the most scenic parts (and right on top of a carpark that on an average day charges you no more than 60p for the hour!) lies Bar T’At. Far from your country pub (of which there are many in ilkley to choose) Bar T’At still offers a bewildering array of real ales.
I personally went for Kwak, a distinctive (and strong) dark bitter… just as well the fluted half pint glass of this potent brew came with food or i think i may not have lasted to try another. And to the food! The vegetarian roast veg baguette was good, the fish and chips (in normal and extra large portions) looked equally good but it was the chips and onion rings that really stole the show.
One more thing most bars in ilkley will not serve food on certain days (the monday of my visit being one of those days), Bar T’At does not suffer from this affliction, whatever the season you’ll find food warmth and fine beverages.
So in closing, open often, with a huge selection and star sides, bar T’At’s all you’ll need to finish a visit to ilkley in style!

Called in here earlier this evening instead of eating in my regular hotel, The Rombalds (qv my review). Its part of the Market Town Taverns group, such as The Town St Tavern in Horsforth, Arcadia in Headingley, and their newest one Horse and Farrier in nearby Otley (there are several others). Last week as I was staying at the Chevin Hotel in Otley, I reviewed the Horse and Farrier.
Bar T’at is situated in Curzon Street, just of the main Ilkley shopping street, The Grove. Its on two levels, upstairs is the main drinking bar, though you can eat there also. Downstairs in set out as restaurant tables. Tables were beginning to show signs of wear, rather scratched and tatty.
Like other establishments in the group, there is a very large choice of beers, some of which are ‘resident’, others change regularly. So I ordered a pint of Taylors Landlord (I am rarely tempted to try anything else), brewed over the other side of the moor in Keighley. There were quite a few drinkers in the upstairs bar, so atmosphere a bit noisy so I ate alone downstairs. The waiter who served me however was amiable, and happy to engage in conversation, so it seemed there was less time to wait for the food arriving. Between 5.30 and 7 weekdays they have two courses for £11.25, with a limited menu, but there is plenty of choice to be had from the main menu also. I had garlic mushrooms, in a creamy sauce, with some toasted baguette to mop up the juices. I followed this with ‘Pie of the Day’ today it was ‘Steak and Wainwrights’ Of course it matters not which brand of beer is used. The pie was stuffed with steak pieces, though it was rather dry in texture (where was the Wainwrights?). This was appeased as a small jug of tasty gravy came with it, as well as some chips and side vegetables. All the food was really quite tasty. Maybe the veg were a little over done as the carrots were soft (I am of the ‘al dente’ preference).
But dont get me wrong, I am clutching at straws a bit in my criticism, this was good wholesome pub food, and the experience very enjoyable.

Great selection of Ales with a nice atmosphere… Always really busy on a Friday and Saturday evening but it’s well worth putting up with the crowds!
Oh and We had the steak and ale pie the other night… Rammed with steak… Absolutely spot on!

A nice walk across the moor inspired by cracking views and knowing that this was the final destination once we arrived in town. Absolutely no problem with the quality of the ales when I visited. A short walk from the train station so no excuses — go visit.

Modern, due to the location of the venue, but a good choice of ales. Good food at very reasonable prices, attentive intelligent staff, and free Wi-​Fi access for those in need.
Highly recommended.

It can be really thirsty work wandering around Ilkley and generally taking in all the good shopping that there is to be had, and so often you might want to pause for refreshment. Now, usually, I’m a cappuccino kind of girl. But every so often I like to have something just a bit stronger! I’m not suggesting anything too heavy, like, but you know what I mean.
One happy Saturday I was feeling this way inclined and so I nipped into Bar T’at. Yey! What a lovely atmosphere. Having nipped into many a countryside pub solo before I feared the odd looks which are often donated to myself, a single young female, as if to suggest that I must be strange for coming in alone to drink. None of those looks, so first impressions were good. I had a very delectable gin and tonic, served with lime, and had a good chill on one of their comfy seats. The best bit? They’re situated in the huge car park courtyard right near some of the best shops.
Perfect!

HaHaHa, you’ve gotta love it, Bar T’at. First, being impressed that the Ilkley folk have a sense of humour, and second in being a nice place to indulge in a beer and some food after a solid day of walking around the lovely Ilkley.
When I first moved up into West Yorkshire territory I hadn’t really heard anything about Ilkley, and when my flatmates decided we would go for a visit, all the people local to the area shouted out in unison On Ilkley Moor Bar T’at. Excuse you? Apparently it derives from the little ditty about being on Ilkley Moor and your hat blowing away and thus being left on the moor Bar T’at. Funny Yorkshire folk.
Anyhoo, Ilkley is not without it’s fair share of nice places for a glass of wine or a swift pint and some food to enjoy, and Bar T’at comes under that umbrella.
The feeling from the bar is definitely intimate, with dark wood and wooden bench/​booths, low lighting and narrow walkways, but it’s not too intrusive. Descend the spiral staircase and there’s another space to enjoy, primarily used for people indulging in Bar T’at pub lunches, but for me I prefer the patio area outside, especially in days of a more appealing temperature.
The menu is nice and concise, not too much on it, but plenty enough to choose from, and the prices, well they’re a bit on the expensive side of pub food, but it is really nice food, nice portions, and feeling of being full stays with you longer than you’d think. On cold days, I would say check out the homemade Shepherd’s Pie, complete with vegetables, tasty and part of your five a day. Main courses £7, sandwiches between £5 and £6, sides £2, and starters about the same.
Really nice! Thumbs up!

If my understanding of the eponymous local song is correct, the name of this pub translates as ‘without a hat’, which makes absolutely no sense at all but I’m sure that doesn’t stop locals feeling instantly endeared to it. Inside, it’s got a similar feel to Aradia which the company also owns, with wooden seating and low lighting creating an intimate area for drinking and dining. There’s a good outdoor area for the summer months too, and a menu that, while a little pricey for pub grub, is freshly made and pretty tasty. It’s a good spot for lunch too, with a large range of sandwiches and ciabattas, although with the huge choice of ales and continental lagers on offer day can quite easily melt into evening here.

This was a revelation when it opened nearly 10 years ago with a huge range of beer and continental lager and a strong food offering. Since then the building has been extended and has lost some of its cosy charm. The food (in particular the pies) remains high quality and good value but, of late, there have been many reports of sub-​standard beer service. Beer should be pulled in one go and not left on the bar while the money is taken, to be topped-​up later. This practice kills the head and is a classic sign of either inexperienced staff or problems in the cellar, which, at these prices, is inexcusable. A visit in mid October 09 revealed bar staff struggling with pints of what resembled frothy ice cream: a problem with the automatic barrel-​tilting system apparently. There is a covered, unfortunately east-​facing terrace with heaters for die-​hard smokers, while children are only allowed downstairs. Given its superb, central location, with a little more attention to the beer presentation, this place would merit 4 stars and would rival The Taps. We can only hope the guys at Market Taverns Plc can tighten up their act: it’s all in the detail, chaps!

A great real ale pub, not to trendy yet not old fashioned. Great selection of food, their pies are to die for! Lovely for a light snack to a large meal.
Large selection of beers bottled or otherwise.
Great choice of wines as well.
A great atmopshere with friendly staff.
We often nip in on A Sunday lunch time, also great to take friends of all ages to.
Not good for those with wheelchairs as it is upstairs, but there is a small, not perfectly formed seating area out at the back.

This is part of the chain of pubs that owns Coopers in Guiseley, and with Ilkley only been a short train ride away (15 minutes), it is always a good reason to go to this one.
It is a great real ale pub, stocking many hand pulled bitters from many small and local breweries. But, they also carry a large variety of draft and bottled largers from around the world. Not the cheapest of pubs but it is worth paying that bit more for the great atmosphere and knowlegable staff in this bar.
I look forward to my return.

Mentioned in Camra GBG, so tried it. V good beers, good range, inc York Brewery, but food finishes at 8.45, so I missed out on their Wensleydale Pie. Unusual Camra pub, i.e. modern-​ish, trendy, clean, etc.