AWARD-winning chef Matt Broadley is taking over the kitchen at The Craven Heifer in Addingham.

Matt, head chef and owner at Broadley’s Bistro in Ilkley is bringing his own take on home-made, traditional ‘pub grub’ to the popular village pub.

Matt is said to be ‘buzzing’ about the opening of Broadley’s at The Craven Heifer on Wednesday, July 21.

The chef who opened Broadley’s Bistro back in 2018 said: “I can’t wait to start working with Karen and Phil who approached me to bring the concept to the pub a few months ago. They are proper down to earth, professional people and we hit it off straight away. I felt we would make a great partnership.”

Matt’s previous experience includes head chef at The Wheatley Arms and The Black Hat, both in Ilkley, before opening his current Ilkley bistro. He remembers telling the then owner at the Black Hat, Stewart Taylor, that he would have his own restaurant within five years. This dream was realised within three. The partnership at The Craven Heifer sees the further realisation of his ambitions to open more venues within the ‘Broadley’s’ family.

Matt said: “The reaction of locals and beyond has been amazing and we are really grateful for the support already shown to us.

“The food will be what you would expect to see on any good pub menu. For example, one of the first dishes to go on there was scampi. It also includes many of my personal favourites such as a good roast dinner and fish and chips, which were really popular at Broadley’s during lockdown!”

All ingredients will be locally sourced where possible and other dishes on the menu will include ham and eggs, bangers and mash and Sunday roasts. There will be plenty of gluten free and vegetarian options to choose from, as well as a children’s menu.

To ensure consistency and continued service standards, the food service team from the bistro will also be rotated with the team at the Craven Heifer, so Broadley’s Bistro regulars will see the same friendly faces welcoming them to the pub.

The food offering will complement the seven unique and comfortable guest bedrooms at the venue, popular for its location close to the Bolton Abbey Estate and on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Talking about the new partnership. Karen Croft co-owner of the Craven Heifer said: “Matt had told us about his plans for opening another restaurant when we celebrated Phil’s dad’s 80th at Broadley’s a few years back. This was all pre-pandemic and before we bought the pub. Fast forward to a few months ago and when we did become owners, we were keen to pick back up on that conversation. We often recommend Broadley’s to our guests and thought how amazing it would be to have him onsite creating his delicious food here in the village for both locals and guests. We are delighted to be working with Matt, he’s a great guy and we love his food.”

The pub will still remain a local village pub, first and foremost, where locals and walkers can meet up for just drinks if they prefer. The restaurant will open its doors on Wednesday, July 21 with food served between 12-3pm and 5-9pm Wednesday to Friday. Saturday all day and Sunday 12-5pm. Bookings are being taken now. Dogs are welcome.

Visit www.cravenheifer-addingham.co.uk or call 01943 831548.