Not sure whether it’s a good or bad thing, but Ilkley has been named one of the ten most expensive places in the country for first-time buyers. In the North, only Altrincham and Knutsford come higher.
It’s not great for second- or third- time buyers either. But it certainly explains all those elderly gents and ladies in sports cars. And there I was thinking their money had come from running drugs to the EPHs..
While we’re on the subject of the local rag, I notice from MediaUK that the website and paper don’t get very good reviews. Indeed, out of 1650 odd websites rated by visitors to the service, it comes 1532nd.
Not such a great result then. Might be something to do with completely ignoring everything that happens in the town? Not, perhaps, the best way to run a local newspaper?
In the wonderfully batty letter by Mrs Cussons to the Gusset this week (of which more reference anon), she suggests that the indigent population of the country are irritated that they have no rights. Frankly, I have no sympathy. If they can’t be bothered to do anything but lay about, what do they expect?
Or have standards of English amongst our local Tory grandees gone to hell in a handbasket ?
Well, we had a good xmas, made rather nicer by some lively fluffy white stuff (stop giggling there at the back…) which is pictured over here. But we also eat out a lot (as we like to do), and, boy do things need improving in Ilkers.
First up was the Cow and Calf. After a nice couple of hours tramping the moors through a snowstorm, boy were we in need of some major stomach filling. The Cow’s a lovely venue, beautiful fires, great view. The beer’s not great, but I can deal with that. But oh the food–fsh chps for me and a Roast for angel. The chips were MacD’s type, ultra thin, the fish was watery. Honestly, nothing tasted of anything (except the chips had that sour taste like the oil had been used too many times). The roast was lukewarm at best, and had obviously been lying about for too long. Foul. And the service was all you can expect from a bunch of sixteen year olds. Serious work needs to be done on this place, but, of course, the landlords don’t need to, cos it’s always going to be popular.
Bar T’at, however, might not be. Their old chef, having moved to Otley, the gorgeous food and very large portions seems to have gone with him. I don’;t know where the order’s come from, but the portion size has been reduced massively. I was still starving after my lunch, and I’m not the biggest of eaters.
Anyone know whay things are heading downhill? Sometimes I still think I can taste those Calf chips.
I know, I know..I’m sorry. To all my loyal readers, a heartfelt apology for being away for so long. It’s just, well, I’ve been busy.
Or what I think of as busy anyway. Service will be somewhat erratic over the next few months as I struggle to complete my course while struggling to keep my job.
With the announcement of the Michelin stars today, I’m somewhat astounded to see The Box Tree getting one. It’s not that Simon Gueller doesn’t desrve it, he’s shown before that he’s a one star chef. But the food and especially the service are still only in their early stages. Simon’s patently struggling with his kitchen help to produce the kind of food he’s aiming at.
And, given that the place has only been open four months or so, it must be too early to say whether this really is a starred establishment. Can’t help feeling it’s a case of sentimentality on the inspectors’ parts, for the old Box Tree and for Simon himself.
So, we now have two starred establishments in easy reach–with the Devonshire Arms being the other. But, yet, nothing for Anthony’s in Leeds, probably the best new eaterie in the country.
