The epithet of “Moody Cow” isn’t usually taken as the best of compliments in Yorkshire, but up in Ilkley, they certainly make the most of it. The Moody Cow pub and restaurant began in Bradford – Apperley Bridge to be exact – but they enjoyed their experience at that location so much that they opened a second on the outskirts of Leeds, where they offer steakhouse classics – the cow is, of course, the star of the show on the menu here – and bar favourites, as well as real ales and extravagant cocktails. Head in to Ilkley town centre and find them on Brook Street.
Ilkley is a nice place to live – it’s one of the most desirable parts of Yorkshire for sure – and one of the most compelling reasons for that is the diversity and strength of the restaurant scene. The Moody Cow on Brook Street is right at the heart of it all, bang in the centre of the town and offering a menu that offers something for everyone to enjoy, particularly if they derive their enjoyment from meat, aged for 28 days and cooked on a grill at incredibly high heats. This is a steakhouse, made no mistake about it, as well as a bar.
The steak selection at The Moody Cow is pretty extensive, so let us talk you through a little bit of it. If you want one all to yourself, then there are are rump, sirloin, ribeye and fillet options – as well as pork steaks and gammon – and to share, there is a Tomahawk, the double-sized bone-in ribeye, or the full Chateaubriand. Accompanying the meats come onion rings, field mushrooms, grilled tomato and a selection of sauces, and the range of non-grill options are also decently-sized, with fried fish, chicken and turkey, vegetarian options and bar classics. We could go on all day, but instead, just book at table at The Moody Cow on Brook Street in the centre of Ilkley and wander over to find out for yourself.
Service, ambience and food excellent - as has always been my experience. In fact, if any criticism could be forthcoming I would say the portions are a tad too large so that one course if enough, which is a shame when the choice in all courses is so good.
The main course portions here are big but the starters are too nice to miss so learning from experience we shared a starter. Braised brisket, sirloin steak beef short ribs and haddock Marsala all resulted in empty plates and 4 satisfied diners. If you like meat you will love this place and the staff are really friendly. We still had space for desserts and we just about managed to finish them, sharing again.
We love The Moody Cow the food and service is always fantastic and friendly. We were celebrating my daughters Birthday so they brought her out a free pudding with a candle in!!