Ilkley restaurant announces plans to leave following atrium dispute

The restaruant has been told to remove the seating area [Photo: Forde Restaurant]

Forde Restaurant has announced that it plans to activate the break clause in its lease and leave its current premises in the Moors Shopping Centre in Ilkley, following an ongoing dispute with Bradford Council and its managing agents over the use of the atrium.

The restaurant says the atrium was an important part of its original business plan and was intended to provide safe, accessible seating for customers. After finding that tables and chairs on the cobbled surface were unsuitable for wheelchair users, customers with mobility difficulties and families with young children, the owners sought permission to install a stable, ramped seating platform.

They say they were initially told the proposals “wouldn’t be a problem”, but have since faced changing requirements. Following a complaint, they have now been instructed to remove the seating area, with no alternative solution agreed.

The owners say the decision makes the property unviable for their business in the long term.

They expect to remain in Ilkley until late next year and are keen to reassure customers that they will continue trading and welcoming guests in the meantime.

They are also giving advance notice to customers who may hold Ilkley-specific vouchers or have been planning to visit.

The full announcment is on the Forde Restaurant Facebook page.