Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Fine Dining in Ilkley
The Box Tree is one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley, originally a Yorkshire stone farmhouse dating from 1720. Established as a restaurant in 1962 by Malcolm Reid and Colin Long, it quickly became the North's most successful dining destination, earning two Michelin stars. Over six decades, renowned chefs including Michael Truelove, Edward Denny, and Marco Pierre White have shaped its culinary legacy. Today, under Head Chef Brayden Davies, the restaurant combines its rich history with modern innovation, using the finest local ingredients to create refined French-inspired cuisine. The team, including General Manager Chris Stapleton and Restaurant Manager Tom Wardle, upholds a tradition of excellence, ensuring every guest experiences exceptional service and artistry.With accolades such as a Michelin star, three AA Rosettes, and recognition in the SquareMeal UK Top 100 Restaurants, The Box Tree remains a beacon of culinary excellence. The restaurants heritage is preserved in its charming sandstone cottage setting, featuring antique furnishings and two luxurious dining rooms. Sustainability and seasonality guide the ever-evolving menus, which celebrate Yorkshires exceptional produce. Private dining experiences and bespoke packages cater to celebrations, while the front-of-house team delivers warm, attentive service. As a cherished institution, The Box Tree continues to innovate while honoring its legacy of creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Services
Fine Dining
Private Dining
Seasonal Menus
Wine Pairing
Culinary Events
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We hold two Michelin stars and three AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
- Our menus feature seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with French-inspired techniques.
- The team includes award-winning chefs and hospitality experts with global experience.
- Private dining rooms accommodate up to 50 guests with bespoke event packages.
- Recognized in the SquareMeal UK Top 100 Restaurants for outstanding service.
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
- AA Restaurant Guide
- SquareMeal UK Top 100 Restaurants
- Oliver Awards
What people say
Delicious food
Welcoming relaxed surroundings
Attentive staff
Seasonal creativity
Prestigious ambiance
Services
Fine Dining
Indulge in meticulously crafted French-inspired cuisine using the finest local and foraged ingredients. Our menus evolve with the seasons, offering delicate, light dishes that showcase Yorkshire's produce. Perfect for discerning diners seeking artistry and refinement in a luxurious setting.
Private Dining
Host intimate celebrations or corporate gatherings in our dedicated private dining room, accommodating up to 50 guests. Enjoy bespoke menus, personalized service, and complete privacy for special occasions, with tailored packages to suit your requirements.
Seasonal Menus
Experience daily updated menus reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients. From Christmas feasts to Sunday lunches, each dish highlights local produce with creative twists, ensuring a unique culinary journey with every visit to our Ilkley restaurant.
Wine Pairing
Enhance your meal with expertly curated wine pairings from our extensive list. Our sommeliers recommend premium vintages and lesser-known gems to complement every course, elevating your dining experience with harmonious flavor combinations.
Culinary Events
Join themed dining experiences, including Christmas celebrations and tasting menu events. These limited-time offerings showcase our chefs' innovation through multi-course extravaganzas, often featuring guest chef collaborations or regional ingredient showcases.
People
Brayden Davies
Head Chef
Brayden Davies leads our kitchen with a modern approach blending Australian heritage and Yorkshire produce. Previously at Michelin-starred establishments like The Raby Hunt, he has introduced innovative tasting menus while honoring The Box Tree's traditions since 2024.
Chris Stapleton
General Manager
Chris Stapleton oversees operations with a Yorkshire farming background and extensive hospitality experience. His career spans Michelin-starred venues, focusing on exceptional service and wine expertise to enhance guest experiences at The Box Tree.
Tom Wardle
Restaurant Manager
Tom Wardle brings seven years of Michelin-starred experience from venues like The Man Behind the Curtain. As Restaurant Manager, he ensures flawless service delivery and team excellence, combining professionalism with warm hospitality since joining in 2024.
Nick Dixon
Sous Chef
Nick Dixon, a Bingley native, returned to The Box Tree in 2024 after honing skills at The Angel in Hetton. Promoted to Sous Chef by 2024, his philosophy centers on guest satisfaction through approachable, thoughtful cuisine rooted in Yorkshire traditions.
Questions
What are The Box Tree's opening hours?
We serve Wednesday-Thursday 18:00-20:30, Friday-Saturday 12:00-14:00 & 18:00-20:30, and Sunday 12:00-15:00. Reservations are required.
What is the dress code at The Box Tree?
Smart attire is required. We do not permit T-shirts, shorts, sportswear, sneakers, or trainers in our dining areas.
Can I book private dining facilities?
Yes, our private dining room accommodates 10-50 guests with bespoke packages available for celebrations and corporate events.
Are there seasonal tasting menus available?
We offer evolving tasting menus showcasing seasonal ingredients, priced from £115 per person with optional wine pairings.
What awards has The Box Tree won?
We hold two Michelin stars, three AA Rosettes, and were ranked No.88 in SquareMeal UK's Top 100 Restaurants 2025.
Is The Box Tree accessible for children?
Children over 10 are welcome for dinner, and those over 5 for lunch. We do not provide children's menus or baby-changing facilities.
