‘Our Ilkley businesses are in the running for the UK’s Favourite Local Business title’

An independent womenswear boutique and a family-run steakhouse in Ilkley are hoping to be crowned among the UK’s favourite local businesses.

Attic Womenswear and The Ilkley Cow have both been nominated in the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition, which celebrates independent businesses making a difference for their communities.

Founded by Sarah Lyles in 2007, Attic Womenswear has grown from a dream of owning her own fashion boutique into a two-floor shop in Crescent Courtyard, stocking around 50 brands from across the world.

Sarah, who studied fashion management in London before working for a major high street retailer, said Ilkley’s strong community was what attracted her to open her own business in the town.

She said: “It was always my dream to work in fashion, so when the time came to open my own independent boutique, Ilkley was the perfect place because it has a fantastic community.”

The boutique offers clothing, footwear and jewellery, with a range of prices to suit different budgets.

But Sarah said she wanted the store to be about more than simply selling clothes.

“We’ve built a little family, and women know they can shop, have a chat and feel empowered in their style,” she said.

Sarah added that being nominated was particularly special for her small team, who she described as having “a big heart”.

Alongside Attic Womenswear, The Ilkley Cow has also been recognised in the national competition.

The family-run steakhouse was opened in 2019 by Robert Sypniewski and his wife Marina, with her children Ollie and Maya also joining the business.

Robert said Ilkley stood out as the ideal place to establish the restaurant because of its scenery, community spirit and reputation as one of the UK’s best places to live.

Since opening, the restaurant has aimed to offer more than just tasty food.

Robert said: “From the outset, our aim was to create a welcoming steakhouse where people could enjoy good food and spend time together.

“I think being nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business comes down to our independence, our commitment to local produce, and the personal touch we bring to every guest’s experience.”

He added that building the business in Ilkley had allowed the family to combine their passion for hospitality with the opportunity to create something together.

Both businesses are also part of the Ilkley Gift Card scheme, launched by Ilkley BID in 2022 to encourage people to spend with independent businesses and keep money circulating within the town.

Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Ilkley BID manager, said she was delighted to see two local businesses recognised nationally.

She said: “Ilkley is known for its incredible independent businesses, and we’re thrilled to see two of them recognised in the national competition.

“Both Attic Womenswear and The Ilkley Cow are independent businesses working hard to bring something unique and special to our town and are both thoroughly deserving of the title as the UK’s best.”

Nominations are free and open until November 30, 2026 at: www.lovelocalwin.co.uk