About Ajé
Ajé is a café, restaurant, studio and gathering place in Ilkley, created by Luke and Laura. It brings together the things we love about hospitality: good food, great drinks, movement, conversation and making people feel genuinely welcome.
Why Ajé?
After more than 20 years working in hospitality, we wanted to create somewhere that felt personal. A place that could be part of everyday life rather than somewhere you only visit for a special occasion. Ajé is designed to work from morning through to evening, with different experiences that come together under one roof.
Food with a Sense of Place
Our cooking is rooted in Yorkshire, but influenced by the places, people and food cultures we've encountered along the way. We care about excellent ingredients, thoughtful cooking and dishes that make you want to come back and eat them again. We are chefs who love and admire our industry.
Wine, Sherry, Coffee, Cocktails
From carefully chosen wines and playful cocktails to speciality coffee and fresh daytime drinks, our drinks lists are designed with the same approach as our food: quality, character and good value without unnecessary fuss.
Move Well
The Studio grew from the belief that hospitality isn't only about what we eat and drink. It's also about how we feel. Yoga, movement and wellbeing are part of the wider Ajé experience, creating another reason to come in, spend time and look after yourself.
Rooted in Yorkshire
We're proud to be opening Ajé in Ilkley and to work with brilliant producers and suppliers from Yorkshire and beyond. Wherever possible, we'll champion the people who grow, make, create, brew and produce the ingredients we use.
The People Behind Ajé
Ajé is a family business. Luke brings more than two decades of experience across restaurants, hotels and hospitality, alongside a lifelong obsession with food, wine, cocktails, service, fitness and nutrition. Laura brings her passion and experience in fitness, yoga, detailed cookery, wine and wellbeing. Together, we're creating the kind of place we'd want to spend time ourselves
Good Hospitality, Simply Done
We want Ajé to feel welcoming whether you're dropping in for coffee, meeting friends for lunch, settling in for dinner or joining a class. The food should be good, the drinks should be interesting, the service should feel genuine and the atmosphere should make you want to stay a little longer.
Welcome to Ajé
A neighbourhood café, evening restaurant, studio and place to gather in the heart of Ilkley.