The Flying Duck Ilkley — Restaurant in Bradford

Not impressed. The staff are generally very good and friendly, albeit sometimes overcharging, and I have visited the pub weekly for several months with a group of friends. The beer is always good. I have never had a meal so cannot comment. The landlord however is obnoxious. Our group were upstairs, I was at the bar ordering drinks. The chairs in the small bar have no cushions, one member of the group got a seat cushion from the other upstairs bar which was, and usually is on the night we attend, totally empty. My wife thought this an idea and went to get one for me as I have pain issues, she tried to move a seat cushion, found it was velcro'ed down, and left it in situ. The landlord bounded up the stairs two at a time and shouted at my wife accusing her of trying to steal his cushions! She tried to explain, but he just shouted her down, The man who had brought a cushion explained to the landlord, but he still gave her a lecture and stormed off. I had heard the shouting, thought he was having a go at a derelict member of staff it was that vehement, but when In returned with the drinks and found my wife upset and wanting to leave, I went downstairs and asked him why he had spoken to my wife in that fashion, his response was "Right you want me to apologise do you" and he bounded up the stairs in anger and made a mock attempt at an apology, and left. Not a nice man, not a nice man at all. I have seen him angry several times and he has been sharp with me, when I have asked him to turn lights on etc. Basil Fawlty without the comedy. I will not be...

Unfortunately, we received terrible customer service during our visit today. My partner's pint tasted liked vinegar and was clearly off, so he took it back to the bar. The bar manager was abrupt and rude, said there was nothing wrong with it (without trying any) and that my partner was wrong. He begrudgingly offered to replace the drink, after huffing and puffing about it. Around 20 minutes later, I overheard him slagging us off to another member off staff, whilst staring at us from across the bar. During the course of our visit the same staff member was also repeatedly rude to the young waitress, dismissing her questions and rolling his eyes at her. It was uncomfortable to watch and both myself and my partner felt really sorry for her. All in all, our experience was well and truly spoiled by an individual who clearly has an attitude problem, and should not be in a customer facing role if he is incapable of behaving professionally. Unfortunately, this experience has been enough to put us off from ever returning to the Flying Duck, which is a real shame as the location and interior of the...

My favourite pub in Ilkley. The real ale is the best there is with its own Wharedale Brewery ales, and other local ales, too. Staff are always welcoming and helpful.

Last May (2022) we went in soaked after a walk across the Moor and we were welcomed no problem. We sat right next to the real fire and dried off. It was perfect.

It is often fairly busy, though I have never struggled to get a seat. It is dog friendly, I noticed. Toilets are very clean and well maintained.

It's on the A65 itself, there is a main car park in the centre of Ilkley, or free parking in the streets if you can get it, but I like to pop in on the train, which is about half a mile or less from this pub.

Honestly if I am able to have a pint in Ilkley this is always my first call, and I would recommend you...