My Happy Place: Fuggle

 My Happy Place: Fuggle and Golding Tap House, Ilkley’s Hoppy Wonderland

Alright, let me set the scene for you. Picture a place where the beer flows smoother than your mate Dave after three pints, the atmosphere is cozier than your nan’s living room, and the owner is literally a giant. No, seriously. Not like "he’s got a big personality"—I mean he’s tall enough to change light bulbs without a ladder. That place, my friends, is Fuggle and Golding Tap House on Leeds Road in Ilkley. And I’m obsessed.

Now I know what you’re thinking—“Fuggle and Golding? Sounds like a Victorian law firm.” But don’t let the name fool you. This is an independent bar where the only thing being prosecuted is bland beer. And the verdict? Delicious, craft brewed, and dangerously moreish.

The first time I walked in, I thought I’d stumbled into some sort of secret society for beer lovers. You know the type of place—quirky furniture, an ever-changing line-up of proper craft brews, and the kind of relaxed vibe that makes you forget your phone has emails on it. You’ll find everything from hoppy pale ales that slap you round the tastebuds to rich, velvety stouts that feel like a cuddle in a glass.

And then there’s George. George is the owner, landlord, bartender, and local legend. The man is about 8 feet tall—I’m estimating here, but I did have to crane my neck just to order a drink. Lovely bloke though. You know when someone just gets it? That’s George. He curates the beer list like a sommelier with a beard and a Northern accent. Every pint he pulls comes with a recommendation and a friendly chat. You leave feeling like you’ve just hung out with a mate, rather than been served by a towering booze wizard.

What I love about Fuggle and Golding is that it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not flashy. You won’t find neon lights or espresso martinis. What you will find is a rotating selection of top-tier craft beers, a community of fellow beer lovers who don’t take themselves too seriously, and a jukebox that somehow always plays exactly what you need to hear.

They also do events—tap takeovers, tastings, and the kind of nights where everyone ends up arguing over which obscure brewery makes the best IPA like it’s a matter of national security. It’s wholesome chaos. And I’m here for it.

So if you ever find yourself in Ilkley and fancy a pint of something that tastes like it was brewed with passion, integrity, and just a hint of wizardry—get yourself to Fuggle and Golding. Tell George I sent you. He might give you a knowing nod. Or he might challenge you to a drinking contest. Either way, you’ll leave happy.