Ilkley businesses nominated for UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026
Two popular Ilkley independents, Attic Womenswear and The Ilkley Cow, have been nominated in the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition.
The national competition will award the winning business a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card, with a further £1,000 Gift Card for the person who nominated them.
Founded by Sarah Lyles in 2007, Attic Womenswear has grown into a popular boutique at Crescent Courtyard, offering around 50 international brands across clothing, footwear and jewellery.
Sarah said: “It was always my dream to work in fashion, so I went to college in London to do a fashion management degree before going to work for a major high street retailer. When the time came to open my own independent boutique, Ilkley was the perfect place because it has a fantastic community. After five years, I moved to our current, bigger store at Crescent Courtyard."
The Ilkley Cow, founded in 2019 by Robert Sypniewski and his family, has established itself as a popular independent steakhouse, combining quality food with a welcoming, family-run atmosphere. Robert commented: “We’re proud to be part of Ilkley’s local hospitality scene. For us, it’s about more than serving a great steak. It’s about creating memorable experiences, building relationships with our customers and giving people a reason to keep coming back."
Both businesses are proud supporters of the Ilkley Gift Card, launched by Ilkley BID in 2022 to encourage spending locally and support independent businesses. Over 80 businesses around Ilkley accept the Ilkley Gift Card.
Ilkley BID Manager Sarah Brookfield-Almond said: “Ilkley is known for its incredible independent businesses, and we’re thrilled to see two of them recognised in the national UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition, both thoroughly deserving of the title as the UK’s best.
"Please take a moment to nominate your favourite local business in Ilkley for a chance of winning a £1,000 Ilkley Gift Card for yourself and the business to win just in time for Christmas.”
Residents can nominate their favourite local business for free at www.lovelocal
win.co.uk until 30 November 2026.
