Box Tree, Ilkley
Simon Gueller takes over this famous landmark restaurant
The famous Box Tree restaurant, once the domain of Marco Pierre White, rises again. Well known as one of the north's best restaurants for over four decades, the Box Tree has had a chequered history over the past four years, but Simon Gueller, perhaps best known for his work at Rascasse in Leeds, has now taken it over and the future looks assured
Starters might include a tangy tarragon risotto served with the plumpest, sweetest roasted langoustines; this could be followed by a tender Anjou pigeon, cooked to pinkness, with creamed Savoy cabbage and a thyme jus; to finish, a glazed lemon tart, a real thoroughbred of its genre.
Tempted? You'll need to book and, at the moment, they only open for lunch from Friday to Sunday. But what could be nicer that a spring walk across Ilkley Moor, with or without a hat, followed by dinner at the Box Tree.
The interior has been refreshed and lightened, but the inglenook fireplace remains and so does that cosy feeling of intimacy. Simon's menus have a more contemporary look to them as well, but dishes are also firmly based on the classics
