This small and sumptuous restaurant has retained a Michelin star, three AA rosettes and countless well-respected recommendations for the last six years – and it comes as no surprise. The Box Tree has been putting Ilkley on Yorkshire’s culinary map since the 60s, and now owners Simon (chef profile page 91) and Rena Gueller are lovingly upholding its reputation for unforgettable dining.

The building itself dates back to 1720 and was once home to a generation of gentleman farmers. Nowadays it’s the farmers’ wares that can be found inside, featured in outstanding contemporary French dishes. The Box Tree perfectly combines a sense of history and good taste with top-class modern-day dining. Taking in the surroundings (the art and antiques, the style and luxury) while perusing a menu featuring such ingredients as roast sea scallops, celeriac purée and white truffle oil, you’ll already know this will be a meal to remember.

The seasonal, four-course à la carte menu is excellent value at £55. You might begin with roast hand-dived sea scallops, salad of smoked eel, Braeburn apple, autumn truffle and celeriac purée, or cauliflower soup with smoked salmon and quail’s eggs. Mains such as Cornish monkfish fillet, with a ragout of white bean and foie gras and a red wine sauce, confirm the chefs’ ability to turn quality ingredients into simply stunning dishes – finish with a delice of Valrhona milk chocolate with Earl Grey tea ice cream, and you’ll be left with no doubt.

For something that extra bit special, opt for the menu gourmande, which offers six delectable courses for £65 (to be taken by the whole table), or choose the menu du jour (£35 for four courses) – a stage for produce at its seasonal best. Sunday lunch at The Box Tree shouldn’t be missed, and is fantastic value at £30 for four courses.

And of course, there’s an extensive wine list with varieties to match any and every combination of flavours in your meal. The list features a selection of half bottles too, so you can easily sample more than one – which you’ll certainly want to do.

For your next special occasion, or simply as a treat, think first of The Box Tree restaurant. Book a table in the snug, by the fire or perhaps in the private dining room, and allow the welcoming, professional front-of-house staff to spoil you while the chefs wow you with every mouthful.