There are now only four Silsden pubs, but as a group of Camra members discovered on tour, they all sell real ale.

The Robin Hood in Kirkgate reopened in early February following a major refurbishment, including the addition of a kitchen.

The changes are in keeping with the traditional feel of the pub, including a new stone floor. There is a real fire, comfortable seating, a beer garden to the back and photos of old Silsden. A pool table, darts and dominoes are available.

Handpumps sell up to four real ales at a time, regulars being Copper Dragon Bitter and Tetley Bitter. Guest beers have included Wychwood Hobgoblin and Robinson’s Dizzy Blond.

The Red Lion is a pleasantly decorated, small, two-roomed pub further up Kirkgate, with a real fire and background music.

Three handpumps on the bar normally sell Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and John Smith’s Bitter, plus a guest beer.

There is also an upstairs area with a pool table, darts, TV and a smoking area outside. Disco/karaoke occurs every fortnight and poker on Tuesdays.

On Bridge Road in Silsden sits the Punch Bowl, a large pub with a sizeable car park and patio, pleasant bar and a plush lounge.

The pub sold Saltaire Blonde on our visit, with Taylor’s Golden Best to come on later. Pool is played in the bar, and sports from terrestrial TV can be watched.

The King’s Arms in Bolton Road is very popular with Camra members, and has been voted Pub Of The Year 2014 a title shared with the Brown Cow in Keighley.

It has a main room in front of the bar, and two side rooms.

There is a function room upstairs and a covered smoking area outside.

Six handpumps sell a wide range of guest beers alongside Theakston’s Bitter and Saltaire Blonde. The pub regularly sells Weston’s cider/perry.

Visit whatpub.com for further information.Contact the branch via the website keighleyandcravencamra.org.uk or call the branch contact on (01756) 796167.

EVENTS

May 13 – Short walk and social. Catch the 66 bus from Keighley at 6.30pm or meet at the Slaters Arms in Bradley at about 7.15pm, finishing at the White Lion in Kildwick
May 17 – Pub of the Year presentations, 3pm, at the Kings Arms in Silsden, and 6pm at the Brown Cow in Keighley
May 17 – Keighley Rugby Club Beer Festival
May 29-31 – Camra's Skipton Beer Festival at the Rendezvous Hotel