Leeds Legend Reborn in Ilkley: Matt Healy Revives ‘The Foundry’ at Forde

“An Evening at Foundry x Forde” sees Matt Healy personally recreating the magic of his original Leeds kitchen. Guests can enjoy a 6 course tasting menu experience. Expect bold, seasonal plates with perfectly paired wine or cocktail flight designed to elevate every course.

Ilkley’s dining scene has always been a cut above, but a new monthly event at Forde is bringing some serious city-centre heritage to Ilkley.  

Matt Healy, 2016 MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, has officially brought the spirit of his former award-winning Leeds restaurant, The Foundry, to his Ilkley home.

After the Yorkshire Evening Post revealed that The Foundry was the number one closed restaurant Leeds residents wished they could bring back, Matt decided to make it happen—right here in Ilkley!

For those who didn’t experience the original, Matt Healy x The Foundry was a Leeds institution known for “food to swear by” and a Michelin-rated Sunday roast. While Matt has since moved his focus to Ilkley with the launch of Forde, the demand for those classic Foundry flavours never went away.

Now, Matt is bridging the gap in two exciting ways:

• The New Spring Menu: You’ll now find several “Foundry Favourites” permanently added to Forde’s seasonal small plates.
• Foundry X Forde: The first event on March 26th was a packed house. Among the diners was Sarah, the Ilkley BID Manager, who went along to see how this Leeds legend translated to our local scene.

“The energy in the room was fantastic,” Sarah noted. “The food was incredible, and having live entertainment really elevated the night. It’s wonderful to see a chef of Matt’s caliber bringing this level of excitement and exclusive dining to Ilkley. It was a fabulous evening all around.”

Supporting Our Independents

Forde is a cornerstone of the Discover Ilkley community, and this new residency is a perfect example of why our independent scene is thriving. Whether you’re a former Foundry regular or a local looking for a special night out, Matt’s latest venture is a must-visit.

Don’t Miss the Next Sitting!

With only two intimate sittings per event (5:00 PM and 8:00 PM), tickets for these monthly takeovers are incredibly limited. It’s the perfect opportunity for Ilkley locals to enjoy a world-class tasting menu without the train journey to the city. 

Book your table for the next event at thefordeilkley.co.uk or drop in to try the new Spring Menu.  Keep an eye on their socials for the next available date.