(Image: UGC)
A new hospitality destination blending food, wellness and nightlife is opening soon.
Ajé, located on Cunliffe Road in Ilkley, will open its doors on Friday, October 3, and brings together a café, wellness studio, cocktail bar, wine cellar and restaurant under one roof.
The venue is the latest venture from hospitality entrepreneurs Luke Downing and Laura McLeod, who returned to the UK after several years in South Africa.
Luke said: "I'll happily admit that my perception of Ilkley was completely wrong.
"Years ago, I thought of it as a quiet town with an older demographic and not much going on.
"In reality, it's a thriving, modern, close-knit community full of fantastic independent businesses and genuinely welcoming people.
"After spending time here, it felt like home almost immediately.
"We hadn't realised how much we missed certain aspects of life in Yorkshire until we came back.
"The freedom, the community spirit, the countryside and the sense of belonging all played a huge part in our decision."
The couple considered Manchester and Didsbury before choosing Ilkley after visiting the town.
Ajé brings their passion for hospitality and wellbeing together under one roof.
Luke said: "Rather than operating several separate businesses, we can combine exceptional food, coffee, cocktails, wine, wellness and hospitality into a single destination."
At Ajé’s heart is a daytime café serving speciality coffee, fresh pastries and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients seven days a week.
The café will have areas for work and relaxation, plus around 40 outdoor seats for countryside visitors.
Laura will manage the wellness studio, which will offer yoga, sculpt classes, Pilates-inspired sessions, light strength training, and wellbeing workshops in a supportive, inclusive environment.
She said: "The wellness studio is focused on movement that makes people feel good.
"We want people to feel supported and welcome rather than overwhelmed by a large corporate fitness environment."
Classes will be available through memberships or on a pay-as-you-go basis, and the programme will include women’s health workshops and other events.
In the evenings, Ajé will become a cocktail bar, initially opening at weekends with Luke’s creative take on mixology.
He said: "We use molecular techniques and a scientific understanding of ingredients, but the most important thing is that the drinks are enjoyable."
A sherry and wine cellar, inspired by the traditional bars of southern Spain, will seat around 14 to 16 guests and host tastings, small plates, and special events.
Luke said: "Many people associate sherry with Christmas or older generations, but it's actually one of the most versatile drinks available."
Ajé’s restaurant will initially open on Friday and Saturday evenings, offering fine dining with a relaxed, approachable style.
Luke said: "We aren't interested in creating something intimidating.
"We'll focus on excellent local ingredients, strong classical techniques and creative dishes that remain accessible."
He said the venue would feel welcoming at any time of day.
Luke said: "The daytime atmosphere will be relaxed, welcoming and community-focused.
"In the evening, things will become more refined and intimate, but never intimidating.
"The overall goal is to create an experience that's accessible to everyone while still feeling special."
He believes visitors will be surprised by Ajé’s range of experiences.
Luke said: "There really is something for everybody.
"We hope people will be surprised by how much is happening within one space and how naturally all of those elements work together."
With opening day nearing, the couple said they were eager to join the Ilkley community.
Luke said: "When you run an independent business, you're putting a piece of yourself out there.
"That said, we're incredibly excited to be here and have been overwhelmed by the support we've received from residents, neighbouring businesses and the wider Ilkley community."