Ukrainian Independence Day

It’s been a pleasure having our new found Ukrainian friends living with us here at Westwood Lodge for the past three and a half years. As we mark Ukrainian Independence Day, let’s hope that peace returns to Ukraine soon 🇺🇦

The Top Places to Eat and Drink, as chosen by YOU!

In no particular order…

• Emporio Italia, Railway Road - friendly place with a true Italian feel. No longer open in the evening.

• Quinta - Mediterranean cuisine on Wells Road. 

• The Vine off main car park - a small and friendly Italian. 

• The Swan (Addingham) - The best of the surviving Addingham pubs.

• The Timble Inn, Timble - 20 minute drive but beautifully restored village pub, now almost totally food focused. 

• Betty's Tea Rooms, The Grove - expensive, but the crowds just keep coming!

• The Wheatley Arms, Ben Rhydding - Good food , especially the Early Bird menu.

• Friends of Ham on Wells Road - Great atmosphere and tasty sharing platters.

• Bistro Pierre at The Crescent Inn, Brook Street - a popular buzzing place with a great bar. 

• The Box Tree, Church Street - If only a lapsed Michelin star will meet your needs, you must go!

• The Veggie - great local vegetarian option, usually daytime only though.

• Bah't at Ale and Wine Bar, Cunliffe Road - much more of an ale house than a wine bar!

• The Ilkley Cow, New Brook Street - and its new sibling The Yorkie Cow.

• Brooks Sri Lankan Tapas - a new favourite among our friends.

• Pranzos - Fantastic pasta dishes, moved from Ben Rhydding to the main car park in Ilkley.

• J Reserve - good food all day. A great spot on The Grove especially on a sunny day!

• Galo’s Kitchen - top-rated Italian food in Ilkley.

• Pizza Express, Ilkley Station - it's a chain, but for families, it's hard to beat!

Ilkley named best place to live in the north for 2025!

Ilkley is the regional winner in the 2025 Best Places to Live guide, published this weekend by The Sunday Times.

Our town was previously was named the UK's best place to live three years ago and has been regularly on the list of hotspots across the region - but this year tops a table of 8 locations across the North and North East. The Sunday Times judges said:

“Our national winner in 2022 is back and proof that you can’t keep a good town down. It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”

‘Ed Sheeran’ comes to Ilkley!

Thank you Bradford Theatres - The Kings Hall often has some surprises and last night hosted another great event!

‘Shape of You’ had the trademark loops, heartfelt singalongs, beatbox raps, emotional acoustic compositions, a great band and visuals. Top night and just 10 minutes walk from Westwood Lodge!

Ilkley’s New Fountain

The new Ilkley fountain - at the bottom of our road has been filled with water direct from Ilkley Moor and switched on! Built on the site of the original Victorian fountain and now illuminated, the new one looks stunning! The official opening will be carried out by Alan Titchmarsh CBE on 30th April at 11am. #ilkley #ilkleymoor