A SKIPTON woman is to take the helm of a new Ilkley charcuterie.

Rebecca Wilkin has been appointed by The Friends of Ham charcuterie to run its second venue, due to open in the former Gazette offices in Wells Road, Ilkley, next Friday, August 21.

Rebecca brings a wealth of hospitality experience having worked at the multi-award winning Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey and been general manager at the four-star Craven Heifer at Addingham and the highly regarded five-star Ashmount Country House, Haworth.

She was also assistant manager at Napiers in Skipton.

Rebecca, who studied at Craven College and Sheffield Hallam University, will not have a traditional kitchen to manage as Friends of Ham operates with an open, deli-style prep area. Instead she will manage a team of 15 people and the venue itself which is classed as a charcuterie and does not take table bookings.

The ground floor and basement of the Victorian building will be transformed into an eating and drinking emporium complete with a tasting room, delicatessen, log burner and outdoor seating.

Offering 80 covers and a range of more than 100 local and international beers, as well as cheeses and, of course, hams and meats, Friends of Ham Ilkley will also present events and courses such as beer and cheese matching nights and ham carving workshops.

Rebecca said: "It is important to me to work closely with local and international suppliers to seek out new products. I always like to broaden my own knowledge and pass this onto the customer to enhance their experience, even if it means sampling some along the way.

"I was very excited when I heard that Friends of Ham was coming to Ilkley and wanted to get involved. I am looking forward to running and bringing the brilliant concept to the local and visiting people of Ilkley. I am keen to ensure everyone receives a warm Yorkshire welcome."

Owners Claire and Anthony Kitching opened Friends of Ham in Leeds three years ago and settled on Ilkley as the venue for their second venue.

"We'd been looking for the right place in Ilkley for a while, but it was only when one of our suppliers showed us this fabulous Victorian building, on the way to Ilkley Moor, that we realised it was the right home for the second Friends of Ham," they said. "It's a real boost to the team to have Rebecca at the helm, she has great experience and also knows Yorkshire and it's fantastic larder well."

For more information, visit facebook.com/friendsofhamilkley; twitter @fohilkley or friendsofham.com/friends-of-ham-ilkley