The Box Tree in Ilkley up for sale after losing Michelin star
Owners Simon and Rena Gueller have put the site and the attached Box Tree Events catering business on the market after 15 years at the helm.
They hope to hand over the reins to new owners and say they are happy to support the transition ‘in any way’.
The Box Tree opened in 1963 and was one of the first four restaurants in the UK to hold two Michelin stars, but later lost the award. Chef Marco Pierre White began working in the kitchen at the age of 17 in 1979, and wrote in his book White Heat that he considers the restaurant his spiritual home.
The Gueller's took over in 2004 and The Box Tree won back a Michelin star shortly after, holding the accolade for 14 years until the 2019 edition of the red book.
“After over 35 years in the Yorkshire restaurant scene we are looking forward to taking some time to spend with our family and some well-earned holidays,” say the Gueller’s.
“We have a wonderful team of staff in situ, not least Michael Carr, our head chef, Michelle Hudson-Renton, who heads up the events side of the business and Chris Stapleton, our restaurant manager, as well as a dedicated team both front of house and in the kitchen, so any new owner will benefit from an experienced and highly motivated team.”
Property firm Christie & Co is overseeing the sale process.
