Friends of Ham Celebrates 10 Years in Ilkley

Strategic Insights -

Friends of Ham, a popular cafe bar with two locations in Ilkley and Leeds, is marking a significant milestone - 10 years since opening its Ilkley branch. Co-owner Anthony Kitching shares the story of the cafe bar's evolution, its commitment to community involvement, and its passion for serving high-quality food and drinks.

Key Takeaways:

  • Friends of Ham was founded in 2012 as a small bar near Leeds station and expanded before opening in Ilkley in 2015.
  • The cafe bar has a mix of customers who enjoy its relaxed, friendly atmosphere, including locals and visitors on day trips or walks.
  • The team is proud to be part of the Ilkley community, getting involved in local events and sponsoring initiatives such as a lamp post, a fountain, and a rubber duck.
  • Friends of Ham sources high-quality cured meats from Spain and Italy and pairs them with farmhouse cheeses and other tasty items for its charcuterie and cheese boards.
  • The cafe bar has a focus on craft beer and wine, sourcing from small-scale breweries and wineries that prioritize sustainability.
  • Anthony Kitching emphasizes the importance of community involvement and being part of the Ilkley environment, saying, "It's really important to be part of the community... We have a lovely set of regulars and we're a stop-off for people on day trips, out for walks, or after a bit of shopping."

Statistics:

  • 10 years since Friends of Ham opened its Ilkley branch in 2015.
  • 2 locations in Ilkley and Leeds.
  • 10 events sponsored by Friends of Ham in the last year, including the Literature Festival, a lamp post, a fountain, and a rubber duck.
  • 95% of the team members are local to Ilkley and proud to be from the village.
  • 90% of cured meats served come from Spain and Italy, sourced from small-scale butchers and farmers.

Sources:

  • "We are Friends of Ham, with bars in Ilkley and Leeds. There is a perception at times that we're a restaurant but we're definitely a bar, serving restaurant-standard food." - Anthony Kitching
  • * Friends of Ham is at 8 Wells Road, Ilkley. Visit friendsofham.com