Restaurant Review 

The Fleece pub and restaurant is located in the village of Addingham which lies between Ilkley and Silsden in West Yorkshire.

The pub stands in a handsome Yorkshire stone building and even in winter its large outdoor terrace looked inviting with its covered canopy illuminated with fairy lights.  On entering the door there’s a sign in the porch indicating “mucky boots and mutts” to the walker’s bar to the left.  We were more interested in the sign in the opposite direction “high heels and posh frocks” which led us into a cosy bar with a welcoming wood burning stove casting a golden glow across the room.

The bar leads into the main dining area which has a charming appearance with its exposed oak beams, stone paved floor, banquette seating round the walls complete with comfy cushions, an open fire and country prints.

We had the option of having a drink in the bar whilst looking at the menu but decided instead to get settled at our table in the restaurant and order from there.  Emma, the restaurant manager brought us the drinks menu and offered suggestions with our wine selection.

It was pleasing to find that the extensive wine list included glasses and carafes as well as full bottles, catering for all budgets.  Our Spanish Green Fish Verdejo was fresh and zesty and a perfect accompaniment to our dinner.

Our waiter for the evening was Callum and after pouring us each a glass of wine we perused the menu whilst nibbling some juicy olives.  The menu is very much focused on fresh, seasonal produce from the ‘land and sea’.  Alongside their pub classics of pot pies, steaks, burgers, fish and chips and coq-au-vin there’s a daily specials board featuring the catch of the day.  The Fleece’s talented chef, Regan Whitaker speaks each morning with fishmonger Chris Neve who has a reputation for supplying the finest fresh fish and seafood from his base in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

During our visit, the specials board included pan fried hake, lobster Thermidor and smoked haddock risotto.  Also on offer was Fruits de Mer which sounded delicious but as this needs to be ordered 48 hours in advance diners need to think ahead to avoid disappointment.  I was torn between a pot pie or the baked sea bass from the specials board and after some dithering opted for the fish.

I began my meal with devilled chicken livers served on sourdough and these were bursting with flavour and absolutely delicious so I savoured every last forkful.  Across the table, the crab pate served with salmon, brown shrimp and sea salt croutons was equally well received and I had to agree as I just managed a small taste before it quickly disappeared.

Our mains then arrived and my baked sea bass, the “market fish of the day” arrived beautifully presented on a bed of potatoes and was delicately flavoured with fennel, chilli and ginger butter.  The sea bass was wonderfully fresh and I accompanied this with a side of seasonal vegetables which I shared with my dining companion who was suitably impressed with his coq-au-vin being perfect comfort food for a cold, winter’s evening.

We then enjoyed a little break between courses whilst we pondered on what to choose for desserts.  I’m a big fan of meringues so I plumped for the rhubarb pavlova with chantilly cream which lived up to my high expectations as the contrast in flavours between the sweetness of the meringue and tartness of the fruit blended perfectly.

The baked cheesecake served with a cherry compote was also a popular choice and although we didn’t sample it, the Ribble gin trifle with toasted almonds sounded irresistible too!

I usually end dinner with a frothy cappuccino but decided instead to order a pot of tea which was very refreshing and arrived with a home baked cookie on each saucer.  I really shouldn’t have eaten it after three generous sized courses but of course I couldn’t resist!

Along with two bars and a restaurant on the ground floor, the upper floor of The Fleece has been transformed into private function rooms, the larger one with its own cocktail bar being ideal for parties, wedding receptions and family celebrations.

Out and About

With food being available throughout the day, a meal at The Fleece can easily be combined with a countryside walk in Addingham or slightly further afield as the pub is just one mile from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Addingham 

Addingham is a pretty village and from the pub car park visitors can enjoy a walk along Main Street with its traditional stone cottages, small shops, memorial hall and bowling green.  Not only does Addingham boast a milestone but it also has a ‘Ducks Crossing’ road sign warning motorists to be on the lookout for pedestrians with webbed feet who might be crossing.  For a walk by the river head up North Street which leads onto Bark Lane.  Along there you will find a signposted gap in the stone wall that accesses a zig-zag path winding its way down to the riverside. On summer afternoons,  the pebble beach is a popular place for a paddle in the river.

Bolton Abbey

The ruins of the Augustine Abbey are located in a stunning setting and overlook the River Wharfe just three miles from Addingham.  Walkers can follow the riverside path through the woods to the famous Strid (meaning one stride).  This is a narrow and dangerous cleft formed by the river cutting its way through a soft band of limestone.  A variety of birds frequent these woods including red kites, skylarks, kingfishers and short-eared owls and it’s a very pleasant place for a stroll.

Ilkley

The fashionable spa town of Ilkley also lies just three miles from The Fleece.  Its tree lined Grove is filled with high end small shops including the wonderful, independent Grove Bookshop and a branch of Betty’s famous cafe tearooms.

Not far away,  down at the bottom of New Brook Street lies the River Wharfe where you can take a stroll through the riverside gardens.  It’s from along here that the long distance Dales Way footpath starts which links Ilkley with Bowness in Cumbria, 82 miles away.  If you are feeling like working up an appetite you could plan a walk along the river to Addingham, enjoy lunch at The Fleece and then return to Ilkley to collect your car.

Alternatively, take a hike on the scenic Ilkley Moor which rises above the town.  Head towards the ancient White Wells and if a flag can be seen flying outside the distinctive old white cottage then visitors know that the small cafe and ancient plunge pool are open to the public.

Silsden

Silsden is a former mill town located in the Aire Valley of West Yorkshire just three miles from Addingham in the opposite direction to Ilkley.  This small town was a centre for textiles and nail-making and at one time was home to more than 200 small forges.  Enjoy a level walk along a short section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath where you might see narrowboats chugging slowly along whilst enjoying the fresh air and the gently rolling countryside.

Overall

Dining at The Fleece is a relaxed affair in sophisticated surroundings.  Top notch food is reasonably priced, as are a comprehensive range of wines, spirits and beers including Mary Jane from the local Ilkley Brewery.  With good service, ample parking and the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the doorstep what more could you want!

Details: The Fleece 152-154 Main Street, Addingham, Ilkley, LS29 0LY.

During our visit we were guests of The Fleece and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.

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