Based in an elegant town-house towards the end of of Ilkley's idyllic Bolton Bridge Road, Host is a restaurant from Joel Monkman. This homely restaurant focuses on seasonal British cooking using locally sourced ingredients meaning that the menu regularly changes depending on what is available.
The bright, modern interior and stylish furnishings give the restaurant a feeling of class, with large wooden tables spread out around the dining room surrounded by plain coloured walls dotted with pieces of modern art. The large white fireplace adds to the feeling of homeliness and completes the perfect setting to enjoy Host’s menu of small dishes.
The menu comes in the form of various snacks to start with which vary from the Monkfish Fritter with Seaweed Salt and Malt Vinegar Mayonnaise, to Smoked cheese and Tomato gougeres. These are the ideal way to start your meal at Host and give a glimpse of what is to come. The main event is the small sharing-style dishes which cost mostly between £5-10 and it is suggested you order a minimum of two plates per head but once you see the menu you might find yourself wanting to order more. Plates include Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke with Spelt and Truffle Pecorino, and Roasted Salt-aged Duck Breast, Pickled Turnip, Blood Orange and Sesame, all taking advantage of the fantastic local produce.
As well as lovely dessert list full of favourites such as Dark Chocolate Mousse, all of which can be paired with a suggested dessert wine, there is also an ever changing cheeseboard which can be taken instead of dessert or as a further course. All of this is accompanied by a very decent offering of wines, cocktails and aperitifs.
The friendly, attentive service and attention to detail of Host make Host a great restaurant to visit if you want a special meal in Ilkley.