Up to 35 full-time and part-time jobs will be created by a French bistro chain which is close to opening its latest venture in the district.

Le Bistrot Pierre, which has eight restaurants, will soon open a 90-cover restaurant in Brook Street, Ilkley, where it is also creating a contemporary ale-house with 11 guest bedrooms alongside.

The Ilkley development has been funded by NatWest bank. Le Bistrot Pierre is run by directors Robert Beacham and John Whitehead and originally started as a Pierre Victoire franchise in Nottingham. It was established as an independent business trading under the Le Bistrot Pierre name after the Pierre Victoire franchisor went into administration.

The company now has restaurants across the Midlands and the North of England.

Ilkley will be the ninth restaurant and each bistro is styled differently to compliment their individual settings.

The new ale-house marks a departure from other venues established by the company and will serve seven guest ales at any one time and provide accommodation.

NatWest provided funding to support the purchase and development of the Ilkley site. The bank is also extending funds to support a £300,000 refurbishment of existing bistros in Leicester and Sheffield.

Robert Beacham, director of Le Bistrot Pierre said: “This is a very exciting year for us.

“Ilkley is a big major investment and will see us develop our first ale house, alongside a move into providing guest accommodation. This is based on careful research of the area and the continued tourist appeal of this spa town. We have grown our portfolio of bistros steadily over the last 17 years and feel we have established a strong brand and a strong reputation for providing a relaxed and affordable French dining experience.

“The refurbishment of both our Leicester and Sheffield sites, as well as the establishment of Ilkley, demonstrates that we are committed to growing the business further and we are grateful to NatWest for their continued support and guidance.”

Nick Piggott, relationship director for commercial banking at NatWest, said: “Richard and John have demonstrated great entrepreneurial spirit over the years and remain committed to expanding the business. Ilkley is a good example of how they are looking to tweak their offering but remaining true to the values of the business.”

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