We were lucky enough to have the acclaimed chef and proprietor Simon Gueller from The Box Tree in Ilkley introduce our latest Yorkshire Food & Drink Guide.
Prior to the Box Tree, Gueller became Head Chef and proprietor of Millers in Harrogate at just 24 years old and gained 3 AA rosettes. Gueller then took up tenure as Head Chef at Rascasse in Leeds where he furthered his reputation and gained his first Michelin star.
We caught up with Simon to get his opinion on the food scene in Yorkshire and his plans for The Box Tree this year:
“In 2004 my partner Rena and I took over The Box Tree and moved our then young family to Yorkshire. We’re so proud to be based in Ilkley, a town surrounded by the Yorkshire Dales and host to a variety of excellent restaurants, cafés, bars and food shops. Restaurants in Yorkshire are lucky to have access to an abundance of local suppliers who take great pride in their wares – from award-winning cheesemakers, butchers and greengrocers to the Yorkshire triangle, which is famed for its rhubarb. All their dedication helps to provide endless gastronomic inspiration throughout the year, ensuring Yorkshire stays firmly on the culinary map and, on a personal level, enabling me to continue achieving excellence at The Box Tree.”
“It’s not just suppliers and chefs like me who are passionate about local produce. The people of Yorkshire are ever-curious about the provenance of food they’re buying, and turn out in their droves to support local producers at annual events such as the Great Yorkshire Show, as well as at regular farmers’ markets across the county. There’s also a real enthusiasm among Yorkshire folk for eating out. This demand for top-quality restaurants has put The Box Tree in good company, with an assortment of exciting new restaurants and established eateries to choose from. Whether you’re in cosmopolitan cities like Sheffield and Leeds, or exploring the Yorkshire countryside, you’ll find that good food is never far away.”
“Food has evolved a lot in recent years, and the plethora of food programmes on television has made diners more adventurous at home. Ingredients that were once only found in restaurants are now readily available in supermarkets, which is having an interesting impact on the industry, compelling modern chefs to push boundaries and be more creative. This year at The Box Tree we are really proud to have retained our Michelin star for the 14th year running, and we’re embarking on some refurbishment at the restaurant, which is always exciting and keeps us busy. In addition to all of that, our events and outside catering company, Box Tree Events, continues to go from strength to strength.”
“In this year’s Yorkshire Food & Drink Guide you’re spoilt for choice with first-class cuisine to discover. I look forward to welcoming you and have no doubt that you’ll enjoy all that Yorkshire has to offer.”
If you’d like a free copy of our Yorkshire Food & Drink Guide, you can request one here. Alternatively, you can find restaurants in Yorkshire on our website or download our free smartphone app.
