The popular bar/restaurant Treehouse planted its first seeds in Haworth a few years ago and soon became one of the most admired new openings in the area, attracting locals as well as tourists.
Firmly rooted in the home of literary giants The Brontës, Treehouse has branched out to the market town of Otley. Would the new restaurant be anything to write home about? I decided to visit and see if the chain’s good reputation was deserved.
When I arrived, early on a Monday evening, the place was busy. By the time I left it was full – with good justification.
A fully refurbished Treehouse
Treehouse appeals to a very wide age group, with the warm reception and buzzing atmosphere attracting young and old alike. Previously a wine bar, the premises have now been given green and brown décor in keeping with the Treehouse theme – there is even a swing upstairs, should you care to relive your childhood.
With an upmarket feel, Treehouse has brought a city vibe to Otley. Downstairs in the main part of the restaurant, there enough nooks and crannies beyond the central area that you can find a quiet spot to wine or dine. If the weather is fine, an outdoor seating area catches the afternoon sun. The background music is set at an appropriate level so you can hold a conversation. Thankfully the televisions showing sports games are in a separate area.
Small but satisfying menus
The drinks menu is not particularly large, though the offer of selected bottles of wine for £13.00 all day and two classic cocktails costing £12.00 Monday to Thursday is a big gesture.
The food menu has all the pub classics – such as burgers, fish and chips, and steak – along with some dishes you might be surprised to discover, like kebabs, lasagne and king prawn and chorizo Arrabbiata.
My starter of salt and chilli chicken bao buns was a very hot surprise, probably due to the strong chilli – a good starter that set the scene for my main course. All food is freshly prepared in the kitchen, though the speed at which my main course of 8oz rump steak arrived did seem rather hasty.
The 28-day-aged steak served with fat chips, onion rings and grilled garnish probably did little for my waistline, but the memory of the excellent meal and the way it was presented stayed with me long after my visit.
The desserts, here named Sweet Tree-ts, do not offer a wealth of choice. There are only five options, with a few ice cream dishes taking pride of place. The sticky toffee pudding beckoned to me. The steamed version was an indulgent pleasure with a strong ginger taste throughout, though I think custard is a far better accompaniment than ice cream.
The food, like the drinks, is modestly priced. If you are expecting decent pub grub as opposed to fine dining, no one will be disappointed. A great addition to the Otley dining scene, it benefits from a distinctive setting. Hopefully your visit will be tree-mendous too.
Salt and chilli chicken bao buns (£6.95), 8oz rump steak (£18.95), sticky toffee pudding (£6.95)
Treehouse Bar and Kitchen, 40 Bondgate, Otley LS21 1AD.
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