Customers are bowled over to be back at Ilkley pub The Black Hat
A CRICKET match that dates back to the late 19th century is behind the name of this week’s Pub of the Week.
Formerly the Rose & Crown, the Church Street pub re-opened as The Black Hat in November 2014.
Its name comes from a fundraising cricket match between shopkeepers and tradesmen, first held in Ilkley in 1880. One team identified itself through its players black hats, while the other team wore white head wear. The match was played every May Day bank holiday Monday until the Second World War. Once, the start was delayed as, it is said, some players