THE owners of a popular Ilkley bistro have announced its closure.

Philippa and Richard Enever have been trading as the Wells Bistro from 7 Wells Road for the last 13 years but the difficulties caused by the pandemic have forced them to reflect on their future.

Philippa said: “To all of our loyal customers we finally have some clarity as to the future of our small business.

“As you know we have been trading as the Wells Bistro from 7 Wells Road in Ilkley for 13 years. The difficulties of Covid since last March have caused us to reflect on our future and the viability of our restaurant as social distancing measures are pretty much impossible in such a small space.

“So after much thought we have decided that the restaurant will not re-open in the future.

“This is a big and unhappy step for us but unavoidable and necessary.”

However, it's not all bad news for those who enjoy Richard’s cooking as he will still be carrying on with a home deliver service and expanding into a new home catering service.

Philippa added: “Richard will be carrying making and creating in several different ways.

“Firstly, The Wells at Home Delivery Service will continue as usual with deliveries every Saturday.

“Please sign up to the mailing list at www.wellsbistro.co.uk

“Secondly, Richard is offering an ‘at home’ catering service for all customers.

“This can work in one of two ways – whichever suits the needs of the customers.

“Richard can design a menu for your party or event, come to your house to prepare, cook and serve your agreed menu. He will then clean down and leave you to enjoy the rest of your event.

“Richard can instead prepare the designed menu for you off-site and deliver it to you to cook for yourself (with full instructions) for your event

“As this is a more bespoke service then to enquire please call Richard on 01943 601793.

“We thank you all for your support over the last 14 months and hope that you are all returning to some kind of normality.”