The Box Tree Restaurant, Ilkley: A Timeless Culinary Landmark
A historic fine dining gem in Ilkley, blending classical French techniques with modern European flair in a charming sandstone setting.
Nestled in the heart of Ilkley, The Box Tree is a renowned fine dining restaurant housed in charming 18th-century sandstone cottages. Celebrated for its refined modern European cuisine with classical French influences, it offers an exquisite tasting menu crafted by Head Chef Brayden Davies. The elegant interiors, attentive service, and a storied history dating back to 1962 make it a distinguished destination for special occasions and gourmet experiences.
A brief summary to The Box Tree Restaurant
- 35-37 Church St, Ilkley, LS29 9DR, GB
- +441943608484
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Thursday 6 pm-7:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-1:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance, especially for weekend dinners, as seating is limited and in high demand.
- Try the tasting menu to experience the full range of the chef’s seasonal and regional specialties.
- Pair your meal with wines selected by the sommelier for an enhanced dining experience.
- Dress smartly to match the elegant and traditional atmosphere of the restaurant.
- Save room for the signature rhubarb and crumble soufflé, a highlight of the dessert menu.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Box Tree Restaurant location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Box Tree Restaurant
Heritage and Setting of The Box Tree
The Box Tree Restaurant is set within two historic 18th-century sandstone cottages on Church Street, Ilkley, exuding a timeless charm with plush antique furnishings and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Since opening in 1962, it has been a culinary beacon in Yorkshire, famously nurturing talents such as Marco Pierre White. The venue’s traditional decor, including porcelain dogs at the entrance and classic fireplaces, reflects its rich heritage, though recent efforts have introduced modern touches to complement its evolving cuisine.Innovative Cuisine with a Classical Touch
Under the direction of Australian-born Head Chef Brayden Davies since early 2024, The Box Tree has embraced a modern European style rooted in classical French techniques. The kitchen offers a no-choice tasting menu featuring impeccably prepared dishes that highlight local and seasonal ingredients. Signature courses include delicate agnolotti with Yorkshire ricotta, rich Irish langoustine with Yorkshire chorizo, and a perfectly cooked loin of venison. Desserts such as the famed rhubarb and crumble soufflé and white chocolate parfait showcase refined skill and creativity.Ambience and Service Excellence
The restaurant’s atmosphere balances formality with warmth, creating an inviting space for memorable dining experiences. Service is attentive yet relaxed, led by a knowledgeable team including a dedicated sommelier who curates wine pairings to enhance the meal. The staff’s professionalism and genuine hospitality ensure guests feel well cared for, making The Box Tree ideal for celebrations and special occasions.Legacy and Recent Revival
After changes in ownership and a period of transition, The Box Tree has experienced a renaissance under local businessman Adam Frontal since 2022. The new leadership, combined with Chef Davies’ culinary vision, has reinvigorated the restaurant’s reputation, blending respect for tradition with contemporary innovation. While maintaining its classic roots, the establishment is evolving to meet modern expectations, ensuring its place as a Northern gastronomic landmark.Dining Experience and Menu Highlights
The tasting menu is a carefully crafted journey through flavors, textures, and regional produce. Guests begin with canapés and amuse-bouche, progressing through courses that marry local ingredients with international influences. Notable dishes include Yorkshire ricotta agnolotti, Irish langoustine with Australian finger lime, and venison with seasonal vegetables. The meal often concludes with a signature soufflé, celebrated for its lightness and perfect execution, accompanied by petit fours and fine coffee.Setting the Scene for Special Occasions
The Box Tree’s elegant dining rooms, combined with its culinary excellence and attentive service, create a refined yet comfortable environment perfect for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or gastronomic indulgence. The blend of historic charm and contemporary cuisine offers guests a unique experience that honors Yorkshire’s culinary heritage while embracing modern sophistication.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Almscliffe Crag
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Bradford City Hall
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King Alfred's Castle
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Chapel Allerton Arts Festival
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Civic Hall
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Tower Square
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Park Square
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Millennium Square
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Nelson Mandela Gardens
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Tingley park
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Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing Leeds
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Leeds Town Hall
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The Carriageworks Theatre
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The Electric Press
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Unmissable attractions to see
Bolton Priory
7.6 km
Explore the evocative ruins and active parish church of Bolton Priory, a serene 12th-century Augustinian site set in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
Bingley Five Rise Locks
7.9 km
Discover Britain’s steepest staircase locks, a historic engineering marvel rising 18 meters over five dramatic canal chambers in scenic West Yorkshire.
Bolton Abbey
9.0 km
Explore centuries-old priory ruins, scenic river walks, and family-friendly adventures in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales at Bolton Abbey.
Milner Field Manor Ruins
9.0 km
Explore the Milner Field Manor Ruins in Bingley, a historical treasure set in beautiful woodlands, ideal for history buffs and nature lovers.
Salts Mill
10.0 km
Historic textile mill turned vibrant cultural hub with world-class art, independent shops, and dining in Saltaire's UNESCO village.
The Strid
10.0 km
Discover the thrilling white-water gorge and ancient oak woodland sanctuary of The Strid, a breathtaking natural wonder in Bolton Abbey Estate.
Skipton Castle
13.1 km
Step into over 900 years of history at Skipton Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress overlooking the vibrant market town of Skipton.
Haworth
13.4 km
Explore Haworth, the enchanting Yorkshire village where the Brontë sisters wrote timeless classics amid stunning moorland scenery and heritage steam trains.
St Michael & All Angels Church, Haworth
13.6 km
Historic spiritual home of the Brontë family, blending rich literary heritage with stunning Victorian architecture in the heart of Haworth.
Brontë Parsonage Museum
13.6 km
Step into the world of the Brontë sisters at their historic Haworth home, where literary masterpieces were born amidst the Yorkshire moors.
Aireville Park
14.2 km
Aireville Park offers Skipton a perfect blend of vibrant play areas, scenic green spaces, and community events for all ages to enjoy year-round.
Calverley Old Hall
14.3 km
Medieval grandeur meets modern sustainability in a restored 700-year-old manor house near Leeds.
Horsforth Hall Park
15.2 km
Historic community park in Leeds featuring open green spaces, a Japanese garden, sports facilities, and year-round family events.
Bradford Cathedral
15.4 km
Discover Bradford Cathedral, a historic sanctuary blending 1,400 years of faith, art, and community spirit in the heart of Bradford city centre.
Horsforth Village Museum
15.6 km
Discover Horsforth’s rich heritage through personal stories and local artifacts at this charming volunteer-run village museum.
Essential places to dine
The Box Tree Restaurant
0.0 km
A historic fine dining gem in Ilkley, blending classical French techniques with modern European flair in a charming sandstone setting.
Craven Arms Pub & Cruck Barn
14.0 km
Experience authentic Yorkshire Dales hospitality with hearty food, local ales, and rustic charm at Craven Arms Pub & Cruck Barn.
The Willow Restaurant & B&B
18.4 km
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Casa Alba
19.4 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cosy ambiance await you at Casa Alba, Headingley’s beloved dining destination.
Salvo's
19.7 km
Authentic family-run Italian dining in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving classic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and warm hospitality since 1976.
Heaney & Mill
19.8 km
Cozy modern British dining in Headingley with standout Sunday roasts and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
THE BLUES BAR - YORKSHIRE TAPAS
19.9 km
Savor Northern British classics tapas-style with live blues music in Harrogate’s vibrant and cozy Blues Bar venue.
Poco Sicilian Street Food Headingley
20.0 km
Authentic Sicilian street food in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving vibrant flavors in a casual, welcoming setting.
Santorini Bar & Grill
20.0 km
Experience authentic Greek and Turkish flavors in a lively, welcoming setting at Santorini Bar & Grill in Leeds’ vibrant Headingley district.
The Cat's Pyjamas
20.0 km
Experience vibrant pan-Indian street food in a cosy, lively setting at The Cat's Pyjamas in Headingley, Leeds.
TADA
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Authentic Japanese flavors meet stylish comfort in Headingley’s beloved TADA, a top choice for sushi, ramen, and bento delights.
Kuala Lumpur Café Headingley
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Signature Bar and Restaurant
20.1 km
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De Baga Restaurant
20.2 km
Experience authentic Goan and southern Indian cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming setting at De Baga, Headingley’s celebrated Indian restaurant.
The Old Hall Inn
20.2 km
Historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality await at The Old Hall Inn in the heart of Grassington village.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grove Bookshop
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A warm, independent bookshop in Ilkley’s heart, perfect for browsing new releases, children’s books, travel guides and local events.
Our Handmade Collective
15.6 km
Discover unique, handcrafted treasures from over 110 local makers in a welcoming Horsforth boutique that celebrates creativity and quality.
Legs&Limpy
19.8 km
Whimsical threads for Leeds' lively souls: quirky clothing that moves with Headingley's beat in a cozy crescent hideaway.
LW Home & Decor
19.8 km
Explore LW Home & Decor in Headingley, Leeds for unique furniture and accents that elevate your home aesthetics with local charm and style.
Style LTT
19.9 km
Chic womenswear finds in Headingley's lively heart: soft, stylish pieces for every day, blending comfort and contemporary flair amid buzzing cafes and parks.
Flavour Like Fancy
19.9 km
Vibrant Headingley gift shop brimming with bold, handmade treasures from local UK makers—perfect for unique finds that spark joy and support indie creativity.
Holton Apparel
20.5 km
Explore Holton Apparel in Headingley, Leeds, for unique and stylish clothing that captures the essence of local fashion.
Pablos Friends Shop
20.6 km
Discover unique local goods and gifts at Pablo's Friends Shop in Headingley, Leeds, a charming destination for authentic Yorkshire finds.
varelas.clothing
20.7 km
Unique fashion finds in Headingley's vibrant heart, where personal style meets eclectic Leeds suburb charm on Raven Road.
Eco Queen
20.8 km
Sustainable gifts and eco-elegance in Chapel Allerton's heart: chinaware, candles, and custom baskets for mindful living.
Melts
20.9 km
Uncover Headingley's artisanal treasures at Melts, where local crafts and unique handmade finds bring the neighborhood's creative soul to life on bustling Headingley Lane.
Uniquely Yours / Yorkshire Melts
21.0 km
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North South Vintage
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Vintage Boutique
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In Your Dog House Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Woodies Craft Ale House
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Arcadia Ale House
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Best Bar Harrogate
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The Head of Steam Headingley
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The Gin Room
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BOX Headingley
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The Golden Beam - JD Wetherspoon
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Beck and Call
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Brudenell Social Club
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Hyde Park Book Club
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Leeds' cozy creative crossroads: vegan eats, live gigs, and bookish vibes in a reborn petrol station haven.
Further North
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A cosy, two-storey Chapel Allerton bar with a curated drinks list, community events and a front-room atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
New Inn
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The Warehouse
22.8 km
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Popworld - Leeds
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PRYZM
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Home Nightclub Leeds
23.1 km
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The Key Club
23.2 km
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The Lab Nightclub Leeds
23.4 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
23.5 km
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ULTRA
23.6 km
Experience Leeds’ vibrant nightlife at ULTRA, where electrifying beats and dynamic dance floors create unforgettable late-night memories.
The Space
23.6 km
Dive into Leeds' basement beats at The Space, where funky house and urban rhythms fuel non-stop dancing till dawn in a sleek underground haven.
The HiFi Club
23.6 km
Leeds' underground gem for live music, comedy stardom, and late-night grooves—independent vibes since 2000.
Wire
23.6 km
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Baracoa Luxe Bar
23.7 km
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The Backroom
23.7 km
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Arabian Night Lounge
23.7 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly