HERITAGE

 

The Box Tree is one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley. Originally a Yorkshire stone farmhouse dating from 1720, home to a generation of gentleman farmers from Denton, the house subsequently bought by businessman, Septimus Wray - the owner of the Bridge House Gardens. This period saw the property developed for business and it was in the late nineteenth century that box trees were first planted in the front garden and thus became known as Box Tree House. During later years the Box Tree became both an antique shop and a tearoom, before the potential for a fine restaurant in Ilkley was recognised.

Opened in 1962 by Malcolm Reid and Colin Long, the Box Tree quickly became the North's most successful restaurant, with two Michelin stars to its name. Without exception, the Box Tree featured in every good food guide as renowned chefs Michael Truelove, Edward Denny and the more contemporary Marco Pierre White each made their mark on the menus and the history of the restaurant. More currently Simon and Rena Gueller have worked hard to reposition this restaurant and are themselves forging ahead in the story of the Box Tree.