The Box Tree is proud to announce that it has been awarded ‘Best Fine Dining Experience’ at the prestigious Oliver Awards 2025, held at New Dock Hall in Leeds last night.
Now in its 16th year, the Oliver Awards recognise the finest talent within the hospitality sector across Yorkshire, and this award is a significant milestone for The Box Tree’s culinary journey.
The award comes just over a year since Brayden Davies joined the team as Head Chef, bringing his unique culinary vision and expertise. Inspired by his Australian roots, Brayden’s dishes blend bold flavours from his homeland with a deep appreciation for Yorkshire’s seasonal produce, offering an innovative yet refined dining experience.
In addition to Brayden’s culinary leadership, Tom Wardle joined The Box Tree later in 2024 as Restaurant Manager, further enhancing the overall guest experience with his wealth of experience and commitment to exceptional service. Together, Brayden and Tom have helped redefine fine dining at The Box Tree, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Brayden Davies, Head Chef, said: “I am incredibly honoured to have received this recognition at the Oliver Awards. The team at The Box Tree has worked tirelessly to bring a fresh and exciting approach to dining, blending my love for Australian flavours with the amazing produce we have here in Yorkshire. This award is not just a reflection of my vision but also shows the passion and dedication of the entire team. I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences for our guests.”
Chris Stapleton, General Manager, said:“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award. It is a reflection of the hard work and passion of everyone at The Box Tree, from the kitchen to the front of house. We’re extremely proud of Brayden’s vision and the excellence that Tom has brought to the service side of things. This achievement only motivates us to continue delivering exceptional dining experiences and creating lasting memories for our guests. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and to welcoming more guests to experience what The Box Tree has to offer.”
The Box Tree continues to lead the way in fine dining, offering a sophisticated and unforgettable experience, showcasing the very best of seasonal produce and innovative culinary techniques.
About The Box TreeSet in one of Ilkley’s oldest and most characterful buildings, The Box Tree has been a beacon of fine dining since 1962. Originally a 1720 Yorkshire stone farmhouse, the building housed gentleman farmers and later became both an antique shop and tearoom. The late 19th century saw the planting of its iconic box trees, lending the property its name. In 1962, Malcolm Reid and Colin Long transformed the house into a restaurant, which rapidly became one of the North’s most acclaimed dining establishments, it was awarded two Michelin stars in 1977 and consistently appearing in the country’s top food guides. Legendary chefs such as Michael Truelove, Edward Denny and Marco Pierre White have all left their mark on its storied kitchens.
Today, the restaurant remains a cherished institution, combining its rich history with modern innovation. The latest chapter in its legacy is led by Head Chef, Brayden Davies, who took over at the beginning of 2024 and brings a fresh, contemporary vision to
The Box Tree. Originally from Australia, Brayden has honed his skills at several Michelin-starred establishments, including The Raby Hunt, Northcote Manor, The Angel at Hetton and Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall.
Brayden’s culinary approach blends his Australian roots with a commitment to local, foraged ingredients, reflecting Yorkshire’s exceptional produce. He describes his cooking as refined yet modern, with subtle nods to his heritage.
Want to know what we think? Read our recent review.
The Box Tree Restaurant, 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DR, [email protected], www.theboxtree.co.uk
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