Few towns capture the imagination quite like Ilkley. Nestled at the foot of the famous Ilkley Moor, this affluent spa town has been repeatedly named one of the most desirable places to live in the UK. With a vibrant mix of independent shops, elegant restaurants, cosy pubs and an endless stream of visitors exploring the Dales, Ilkley is a place where lifestyle and opportunity meet.
And now, one of its most prominent properties — The Dalesway on Leeds Road — is available for purchase, offering a chance to create something truly special.
A Landmark Pub in a Prime Position
The Dalesway occupies one of the town’s most recognisable spots, right at the main traffic lights in the centre of Ilkley. A handsome, detached stone-built property, it extends across three storeys with all the character you’d expect from a Yorkshire inn — polished wooden floors, exposed brick walls, open fires and a split-level layout that’s full of charm.
The bar and restaurant space can accommodate around 70 guests, with a large central servery, commercial catering kitchen, and plenty of storage space below in the beer cellar. Outside, a beer garden offers space for al fresco trade, complemented by a substantial stone outbuilding that could easily be developed into an outdoor BBQ or bar area.
Rooms, Accommodation and Flexibility
One of the Dalesway’s strongest assets lies upstairs. Across the first and second floors, there are nine en-suite letting bedrooms plus a separate flat for owners or managers. This creates flexibility for an operator looking to run a pub with rooms, tapping into Ilkley’s thriving visitor economy.
From walkers and cyclists exploring the Dales to visitors attending local events and business travellers heading into Leeds or Bradford, demand for quality accommodation in the area is consistently strong.
Ilkley: A Town That Sells Itself
Ilkley is no ordinary market town. With its famous Moor, the annual Ilkley Literature Festival, and a steady influx of tourists year-round, it combines heritage with a modern, affluent resident base. The town boasts a lively mix of high-quality pubs, restaurants and bars, and The Dalesway’s central location makes it perfectly placed to stand out in this competitive market.
It’s not just about tourism either. Ilkley’s status as a commuter town for Leeds and Bradford brings regular trade from professionals and families who value the area’s mix of culture, countryside, and community.
A Property Brimming with Potential
At £795,000 plus VAT, The Dalesway represents a rare chance to acquire a freehold pub with rooms in one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after towns. Currently closed, it’s a blank canvas awaiting fresh ideas — whether as a dining destination, boutique inn, or stylish hybrid pub with rooms.
With space, charm and location on its side, this is an acquisition to get truly excited about.
📞 For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact:
James Boshier
0113 450 8558 / 07919 058921
james@everardcole.co.uk