RESTAURANTEUR OPENS NEW VENTURE IN ILKLEY

A well-known Ilkley restauranteur has opened a brand-new eatery in a prominent location in the town after signing a lease on 60 The Grove, which was let by Dacres Commercial.
Joel Monkman is a true local boy from a lineage of chefs and hospitality professionals and opened Host earlier this month. The independently owned, creative, seasonal British restaurant is produce led, with a menu designed to encourage sharing.
The building was previously home to Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s, the Ilkley branch being one of 34 which closed during the summer as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA). The property offers dining and bar space to the ground floor, with substantial kitchen in situ on the lower ground floor, together with staff accommodation to the upper floors. The venue also offers a south-facing outdoor dining terrace and a glass roofed bar area.
Mark Williams, from Dacres Commercial, said: “This building is full of character in a prime location on The Grove. It provided a rare opportunity to lease a fully equipped restaurant premises in this increasingly popular part of Ilkley. It also has an impressive bar area, great outdoor terrace and offers generous living accommodation, so it ticks all the boxes for a restaurateur.
“As a result, there was a lot of interest in the building, but after considering various options, we’re delighted to hand the keys to Joel. He’s local to Ilkley, has a great track-record in the restaurant industry and there’s no doubt he can turn Host into something very special.”