Ajé opens in Ilkley with five-in-one concept

Ajé is now open on Cunliffe Road [Photos; Heidi Marfitt]

A new five-in-one food, drink and wellness destination has opened in Ilkley, bringing together a neighbourhood café, restaurant, movement studio, Andalucian-style Tabanco and cocktail bar under one roof.

Ajé officially opened on Saturday, 3 October 2026, with husband-and-wife team Luke Downing and Laura MacLeod celebrating the launch alongside their team.

The couple, originally from Leeds, have spent their careers working in restaurants around the world and have both worked as chefs. They have previously owned and managed award-winning

restaurants, but say Ajé is a new concept created specifically for Ilkley.

Luke said: “We wanted to create something that felt like us, Ajé is about following your own path and not just doing what’s fashionable. That really sums up what we’re trying to create here. It’s somewhere with personality, character and warmth, where we can be creative and bring together the things we’re passionate about under one roof.

“It’s a new business and we want it to stand on its own. We’re not looking to replicate anything we’ve done before. We want to build something that feels right for Ilkley, put our heart and soul into it and grow with the town.”

Ajé is now open on Cunliffe Road [Photos; Heidi Marfitt]

Named after an Andalucian colloquial expression associated with doing your own thing rather than simply following a trend, Ajé reflects Luke and Laura’s approach to their new venture.

The first element to open is Ajé by Day, a neighbourhood café serving from 9am to 4pm. It offers speciality coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and seasonal food, with space for customers to meet, work or relax. The café is walk-in only, with dogs welcome inside and on the outdoor terrace.

Ajé by Night, due to launch later in October, will offer a weekend evening restaurant focused on seasonal cooking and Yorkshire produce, alongside wines and cocktails. The menu will combine traditional techniques with influences from the Mediterranean and beyond.

Downstairs, Tabanco Ajé will take inspiration from the traditional Tabancos of Andalucia, offering tapas, wine and sherry in a more informal setting. The intimate space will have its own entrance and menu and will also be available for private hire and will host educational events.

The final element is the Studio, a movement and wellness space led by Laura. It will offer classes focused on movement, flow and resilience, designed for people of all abilities.

The couple also plan to introduce monthly tastings, masterclasses and community-led events as the business develops.

Ajé is now open on Cunliffe Road [Photos; Heidi Marfitt]

Laura said the opening weekend had been met with a positive response from local residents and visitors: “It was amazing to see so much positivity and support for the concept. We’re extremely proud of the team and the effort they put in to make sure we opened on time and with minimal hiccups.

“There’s a long road ahead and we’re always learning, but we know we made the right choice coming to this stunning little town.”

Luke and Laura will remain closely involved in the business, working alongside their team and continuing to develop the different elements of Ajé. The couple say they hope the business will become part of Ilkley’s independent food, drink and business community.

Luke added: “There are so many amazing independent businesses in Ilkley and we want to find our place alongside them,”

Ajé is now open on Cunliffe Road, for more information is available at ajecafe.co.uk, where visitors can also sign up to the mailing list for updates.