Ilkey Cinema

46 – 50 Leeds Rod

Ilkley

LS29 8DP

01943 660007

info@ilkleycinema.co.uk

www.ilkleycinema.co.uk

Opening Times

Every Day 11.00am – 11.00pm

Price Comparison

Coffee - £2.20

Mediterranean Tart - £5.95

Cake - £3.00

THE rain is pelting down, I dodge into an open doorway, bumping into two women.

“That chocolate brownie was amazing” says one of them, “and the coffee good too,” says her friend. And then they are gone, into the drenching street.

Sounds good, thinks I, venturing up the stairs (there’s a lift if you prefer), following the aroma of coffee. The stairs open up into an airy and stylish café-bar, predominantly monochrome, with exposed brickwork and leather sofas. Gentle music flows; the coffee machine shusses steamily; and youthful staff busy themselves at the counter and in the kitchen. I spy the chocolate brownies lined up alongside jars of cookies, sweets from my childhood, fruit cake, and a giant chocolate cake.

Jack Hanson, the manager introduces me to Ilkley Cinema – yes, this is far more than your average café bar, I discover. He shows me to a table in the lounge area where there is a choice of comfy benches and chairs or bistro tables and a balcony for better weather. I sink into an easy chair. The round black table echoes the film reel theme, and on the wall I am intrigued by a row of three clocks displaying the time in Ilkley, Hollywood and Bollywood. Nice decorative touches at every turn.

The menu is perfect for pre or post film snacking, or refuelling at any time. Jack assures me that most things are produced locally, like the cakes from Ilkley Cake Boutique and the Lishman’s Sausage Rolls Royce. I choose a Mediterranean tart. The light crisp pastry case with a courgette, tomato and cheese filling is delicious and very satisfying, almost too satisfying, for I simply must sample that chocolate cake. A large hunk is delivered. It’s creamily dark, chocolaty and light, working perfectly with the rich, fruity coffee, blended specially by Casa Espresso in Shipley. Diners around me are enjoying pizza, risotto balls, ice cream and cake, and drinking beer, wine, tea and soft drinks.

A queue is developing for the next screening, and there’s a good film showing, so I abandon my wet walk and manage to acquire the last ticket available. No cramped seating here, the intimate auditorium is furnished with easy chairs and sofas, each with a handy table for drinks. There’s tons of leg-room and nobody’s head blocks your view. And there’s space for wheelchairs or even prams for sleeping babies!

I sit back and relax into a world far away…

Angela Cunningham