The Ilkley Brewery and Aerated Water Company was originally founded in 1873, and soon grew to become one of the region's leading beverage producers and suppliers. Importing fine wines and spirits from around the world, and utilising the town's natural spring water, the beers were universally commended for their outstanding quality, purity and splendid condition. The brewery was ultimately swallowed up by Hammonds Bradford Brewery Co, and consequently Bass, and then shut down in the early 1920s. The Head Brewer departed to take up residence at a certain Timothy Taylors Brewery, where he first brewed Landlord.