We are absolutely delighted to have been featured in Aspire Magazine with a lovely article by Danielle and Michaela. It was fantastic to host you both at Le Bistro and welcome you back with open arms!
By Danielle Daggett & Michaela Daggett
Thanks to some welcome spring sunshine after what felt like weeks of endless rain, there was an aura of joy on the streets of Skipton that first Monday of March, and my mum and I were in for a treat as we headed for lunch at Le Bistro Des Amis.
Le Bistro has been a fixture of Skipton for over 10 years and has been owned and managed by Fraser Lord for the past four. Fraser boasts a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector. From his humble beginnings as a pot wash, he went on to become the youngest licensee in Sheffield at just 19. He’s managed pubs, bars and restaurants across the North of England and worked as operations director for larger hotel chains. However, it was his consulting work that brought Fraser back to Skipton, and to Le Bistro specifically, resulting in the opportunity to buy this much loved establishment – a chance at which he jumped.
The generous menu is made up of French inspired dishes, each with a Yorkshire twist – a signature style implemented by the restaurant founder, a Frenchman and old friend of Fraser. To start, I chose the Black Pudding Bon Bons – little ‘moreish’ delights served with crispy bacon, a perfectly poached egg and cream of Dijon sauce. They weren’t exactly what I was expecting, but a very welcome surprise. Mum opted for the Wild Mushroom Pate, served with toasted homemade granary. Combining quality French mushrooms – girolles, chanterelles, cepes, bolets and a rich hint of truffle – the pate was smooth, yet textured, and full of flavour.
After chatting with Fraser and hearing about his love for seafood (thanks to his fishmonger grandparents), I knew I’d have to choose a fish dish next. Upon his recommendation, I chose the best- selling Seafood Money Bag – a crispy filo parcel filled with fresh salmon, haddock, smoked haddock and scallops, served with a delectable lobster sauce, salty samphire, and a side of fries.
So good! Mum opted for the Poulet a la Normandy Escalope – breaded chicken with a parmesan and basil crumb, served with ratatouille and roast potatoes. An excellent choice according to our lovely waitress, and she wasn’t wrong! The chicken was perfectly cooked, succulent, and juicy.
Though full to the brim, there was no way we could leave without sampling at least one of the divine desserts on the menu. We opted to share the Tiramisu (my all-time favourite pudding). Light and airy, perfectly flavoured, a bob on cream to sponge ratio and drizzled with an incredible Cappuccino Crème Anglaise – we both agreed it was best Tiramisu we’ve ever had!
We were delighted to hear Fraser talk with such passion for sourcing locally; forging relationships directly with farmers, making use of local butchers, fishmongers and veg vendors on the market. The same goes for drinks, with local ales on tap and the extensive wine list carefully selected by the experts at Wright Wine.
Whether it’s lunch or dinner, fantastic food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere are all you need for a great meal out. Le Bistro Des Amis has just that!
