There is one restaurant in the heart of Yorkshire that has stood the test of time. Mention its name and no matter where you are, or who you are speaking to, they know of The Box Tree in Ilkley.
An iconic restaurant set in a charming sandstone cottage, with plush, antique furnishings and two luxurious dining rooms. At The Box Tree, cooking is refined and skilful, with a classical French base, dishes are light and delicate and only the best ingredients are used.
Marco Pierre White helped elevate the status of this restaurant in the 80’s and now with Head Chef, Brayden Davies at the helm, The Box Tree is reaching the dizzy heights of major success once again.
Centre: Head Chef Brayden Davies. Right: General Manager Chris Stapleton
We were invited to review the stunning Tasting Menu and accompanying wine flight, unfortunately I was driving, major faux pas! However, my husband wasn’t and we were both in for an absolute treat!
It was a cold, rainy, windy evening in early February, but the welcome was full of Yorkshire warmth. We immediately dispensed with our coats (and scarves!), and relaxed with a glass of Champagne each and a selection of Charcuterie and delicious giant olives.
Once seated at our table in the beautiful restaurant area, General Manager, Chris Stapleton explained the first course; Snacks comprising of Chicken Liver Parfait, preserved raspberry, chicken skin, Tartlet of Chalk Stream Trout, English wasabi, crème fraiche and Parmesan Custard, onion.
What a way to start! Perfect mouthfuls of inspired flavour pairings. We couldn’t wait to see what came next – and what did come next had us asking for the recipes!
BBQ Damper Bread with Ampersand Dairy Butter, Graceburn Feta, Quince, Verjus Vegemite Butter. Yes, you read that correctly – vegemite butter – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. This whole course is a nod to Head Chef, Brayden Davies’ Australian roots. What a fantastic nod it is too, we added vegemite to our shopping list!
Next was a superb Agnolotti of Yorkshire Ricotta, Alsace bacon, caramelised whey. It was delicate and very more-ish. The flavour combination inspired.
As delicate as the ricotta dish was, the following Irish Langoustine, Yorkshire chorizo, Australian finger lime, Ramiro pepper was bold and rich and every mouthful brought a satisfied “Mmmmm” from ourselves and every diner around us.
The meat course; Loin of Venison, purple kale, swede, white asparagus. Cooked perfectly, rich and earthy, it melted in the mouth like butter.
A rest was in order before desserts, of which there were three. If you have a sweet tooth, prepare to drool!
Dessert 1: Single Estate Chocolate, sheep’s yogurt, which was a rich and slightly tangy mousse, hidden beneath a crunchy seal which you break with your spoon. Giving a great bit of unexpected theatre. We loved everything about this dish.
Dessert 2: Brillat-Savarin, Yorkshire rhubarb, malt. A stunning, refreshing palate cleanser, and if I’m honest, anything with rhubarb gets our thumbs up.
And then there was…the most magnificent…
Dessert 3: Banana Souffle, Tonka Bean, Birch Sap. This was the dessert we will talk about for a long time. Light and bouncy, it was like eating a delicious cloud. What a way to end a truly memorable meal. Well almost…
Because with coffee came delicious handmade Petit Fours.
The setting, the service and the quality of every dish served to us was truly memorable – for all the right reasons. If you want to impress, celebrate in style, or just to enjoy possibly the best meal you have eaten in a long time, book The Box Tree.
This is rather special.
You’re welcome.
See you there!
To make your booking visit www.theboxtree.co.uk
Review and images by Angela Riches
MEET THE TEAM
Some images supplied.
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