ILKLEY’S Flying Duck Pub and sister company Wharfedale Brewery are celebrating 10 years in business next month with a weekend of festivities, including a charity beer festival at their historic Church Street location starting on Friday, November 10.

Wharfedale’s only brew pub will be showcasing over 30 craft beers, real ales and ciders from more than 20 breweries based in Yorkshire, whilst helping to raise money and awareness of the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice which is based in Oxenhope. There will also be live music and food served across the weekend.

Gerard Simpson, Operations Director of both Flying Duck Enterprises Ltd and Wharfedale Brewery Ltd, told the Ilkley Gazette: “We have had some very challenging times in recent years with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns, drinks prices rocketing and the ongoing energy crisis which have seen our bills more than double.

"Nevertheless, our fantastic staff and loyal customers have kept us afloat and we are delighted to mark our tenth anniversary with a fun weekend with a cracking line up beers and live music, whilst supporting a very worthy local charity which is close to our hearts.

"Families are also in for a treat, as the event offers a host of activities suitable for all ages. In addition to the music in the evenings, attendees can look forward to free brewery tours on the Saturday, providing a unique opportunity to gain insight into the brewing process and see firsthand the dedication that goes into creating proper Yorkshire beers "We hope all our regulars and visitors from far and wide can come along to help us all enjoy the occasion and raise a few quid whilst sampling a few pints.”

The Flying Duck will be making a substantial donation to Manorlands based upon the number of pints sold during the festival and collection buckets will be made available throughout the pub should people wish to contribute further.

As well as expert palliative care, Manorlands Hospice supports people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, working across Airedale, Wharfedale, Craven, and north Bradford.

The Flying Duck is based in a historic former farmhouse, with the current Grade II listed building dating back to 1709 and retains many of its original features including stone floors, beamed ceilings and an inglenook fireplace.

The pub with its five star beer and food rating, prides itself on serving a wide variety of craft beers, real ales and ciders, artisan spirits and fine wines, along with a hearty Yorkshire Fayre food offering.

Wharfedale Brewery, which is housed in a converted barn within the pub’s grounds, currently produces five core beers; Blonde, Best Bitter, Citra, IPA and Porter, as well as a number of seasonal specials and three small batch gins; Ilkley Moor Heather, Burnsall Rhubarb and Kettlewell Spring (London Dry). Their beers can be found in pubs and clubs throughout Yorkshire, including their own brewery tap – the Flying Duck.