The Lister Arms in Ilkley is the T&A's Pub of the Week

The prominent stone building, on the junction of Hawksworth Street and Cunliffe Road, forms part of The Moors Shopping Centre, a hub of retail and leisure. It opened as a Wetherspoon pub in 2011.

The Lister Arms in Ilkley. Picture: David Webb Photography

“The site used to be a bus station back in the day,” says manager Em Tetley. “And before Wetherspoon took over it was a series of restaurants and pubs.”

The Lister Arms is named after a former hostelry in the picturesque spa town. A visitors’ guide dated 1829 listed six boarding houses and three inns, among which was the Lister’s Arms, so called after the first tenant, John Lister. The pub was sold in 1989, extended and converted into apartments.

Customers interested in learning about Ilkley’s history can read about the town's development and emergence as a health resort on pictures adorning the walls of The Lister Arms, a feature common in Wetherspoon pubs.

Manager Em Tetley at the pumps. Picture: David Webb Photography

Adjacent to the coach park, the pub is accustomed to visitors who have never been to Ilkley before. “We get a lot of people having a day out here, as well as our locals who come in regularly,” says Em, "It's nice to have such a variety."

Em, who grew up in nearby Addingham, has worked for the pub chain for more than seven years. “I previously worked in Wetherspoon pubs in Skipton, Ripon and Knaresborough; I’ve worked on management teams but this is my first post as manager - I am very proud of the pub.

“I know a lot of people in Ilkley and many of our regulars know me by name, which is really nice. Living locally, my mum and dad are among my most frequent regulars.”

She adds: “It is spacious, light and airy, and very friendly - we have a really good team of staff who make people feel welcome."

The pub's stylish interior. Picture: David Webb Photography

Another look inside. Picture: David Webb Photography

The pub is a popular place for families to eat out. The varied menu includes pub classics such as bangers and mash and steak and kidney pudding - also available as a vegetarian option - katsu curries and children's meals.

“We are extremely busy on the first Sunday of each month when Real Food Ilkley holds its monthly market.”

With permanent ales Ruddles and Abbot, the pub varies guest ales to include locally brewed beers such as Saltaire Blonde. “We could be selling beers from other parts of Yorkshire such as Ossett Brewery or Acorn in Barnsley,” says Em.

The bar. Picture: David Webb Photography

The pub regularly runs special promotions on drinks and food which go down well with customers. “At present we have ‘Top Brands at Better Prices on drinks such as Guinness, Coors, Carling and Budweiser, and a food promotion ‘Top Plates at Low Rates’ which sees price reductions on breakfasts, burgers and pizzas.”

There's plenty of room in the pub. Picture: David Webb Photography

Being part of the community is important to Em, a former pupil at Ilkley Grammar School. “One of my aims is to integrate the pub with the town - we want to play a part in community events. This year we are getting involved in Ilkley Pride and will be decorating the pub to show our support.” The pub is also one of the town’s designated ‘safe spaces’ for anyone to go to should they require it.

*The Lister Arms, 14 The Moors Shopping Centre, South Hawksworth Street, Ilkley LS29 9LB; jdwetherspoon.com/pubs