Ilkley diners celebrating with friends and family by eating out this Christmas, will also be contributing towards a free restaurant meal for an older resident in their community.
The Christmas initiative by French restaurant Bistrot Pierre will donate dinners to well-deserving Ilkley residents, in a first-of-its-kind partnership with Ilkley & District Good Neighbours.
The season of giving
For every Sunday Christmas party booking of six people or more in December, Bistrot Pierre, located within Ilkley’s iconic Crescent, will gift a free Menu Pierre three-course meal to a carer or charity user nominated by Ilkley & District Good Neighbours, redeemable throughout January 2023. This initiative comes at a time of year when many older people are known to be battling loneliness, alongside the ever-increasing cost of living crisis.
Ilkley & District Good Neighbours has been chosen in recognition of their work operating a range of social and practical schemes, constantly striving to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in their area by helping with shopping, befriending, social activities and trips. Its belief in the power of community is strong, with volunteers providing free services to older, disabled and vulnerable people throughout Ilkley, Addingham and Burley in Wharfedale, relieving isolation and promoting general wellbeing.
Christmas dinner with a French flair
The three-course menu which is available until Friday 30 December costs £25.95.
There are plenty of options for starters such as French onion soup, tarte aux champignons and my favourite baked camembert, though I was slightly disappointed as I have sampled many a French camembert and this particular one did not have the rustic taste associated with a good quality camembert, tasting more like a creamy brie.
Things were much better with my main of roast turkey with all the trimmings. Tender turkey served with pork and chestnut stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, honey-glazed carrots and parsnips with French beans and red wine jus. Certainly more ooh-la-la than ooh-la-non! You can also choose from boeuf bourguignon, honey glazed medallions, hake fillet, steak or a vegie bourguignon.
My dessert of Christmas pudding was magnifique! Served with a brandy crème anglaise sauce this complemented a good meal that also benefitted others. Other options include tarte au chocolat, crème brûlée and the not so French sticky toffee pudding and chocolate brownie.
A good meal with a good initiative – très bien!
Bistrot Pierre, The Crescent Hotel, Brook Street, Ilkley LS29 8DG