Le Bistrot Pierre Ilkley

Bringing the buzz of a gregarious French provincial bistro to towns and cities across the UK, this Gallic chain avoids predictable branding when it comes to the look and style of each branch – although the food always stays with the programme. Daily plats and monthly specials supplement a seasonal menu that offers everything from a pungent amuse-bouche of roasted garlic bulbs with rustic artisan bread to white chocolate bavarois, via the likes of whole baked Camembert, slow-roast shoulder of lamb with minted pea purée and Roquefort butter or wild mullet with fennel. Le Bistrot Pierre is also known for its gluten-free choices, lunchtime ‘plats rapides’, honest ‘menu enfant’ and regular special deals – including a monthly six-course ‘soirée gastronomique’. The all-French wine list champions small independent growers, and there are helpful food-matching suggestions too.

Located inside the impressive Crescent Hotel, the Ilkley branch of Le Bistrot Pierre brings the feeling of a classic French bistrot to the centre of this charming town. Le Bistrot Pierre is all about serving enjoyable food at affordable prices and that’s what makes it a brilliant place to visit if you’re wanting a relaxed dinner out in Ilkley.

The Crescent dates back to 1861 and features an impressive arching front, meaning that this branch of Le Bistrot Pierre feels particularly special. Once you head inside everything feels incredibly traditional, with wooden panels and prints of classic French pieces of art on every wall. The tables are spaced widely apart meaning that there is wonderfully airy feel to the restaurant.

Open every day of the week, all day long, Le Bistrot Pierre serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and there is a huge variety of options available within every meal too. Dishes available for breakfast vary from pastries to larger dishes such as crepes and a croque monsieur. Whereas for lunch there is an incredibly reasonable set priced menu costing just £12.95 for two courses; it features dishes such as smoked mackerel pate to start, and boeuf bourguignon for main.

The evening a la carte menu has all the French classics you can imagine on it. Starters include dishes such as roasted bulb of garlic, and spiced chicken beignets. Whereas main courses vary from moules marinières to pan-fried duck breast. Leave room for indulgent puddings including frangipane and tarte au citron. On top of this there is a separate vegan and vegetarian menu, as well as a children’s menu, meaning that Le Bistrot Pierre is perfect for all occasions regardless of who is coming.

To accompany your food, there is a lovely selection of cocktails available as well as a decent selection of wines by the bottle and glass.