The taste of Syria comes to Ilkley

Wednesday, 26 March 2025 08:38

Guests enjoyed a delicious spread and truly inspirational evening at Outside the Box last weekend as the Taste of Syria came to Ilkley for the very first time.

Hosted by the local charity, Ilkley Community Enterprise, and delivered by Road to Damascus and their support team, the evening was a real hit with over 40 guests at the event.

Alison Noone, a visitor to the town attending the event, said:

“It was a lovely and very moving evening with such a fabulous range of flavoursome food, great atmosphere and fun way to learn more about Syria and the experience of refugees. A very special experience was had by all.”

The event was run by a partnership between Outside the Box and the team from Road to Damascus, which is owned and run by Syrian refugee Huda Alhamwi. Huda and her husband Mohamad now live in Pateley Bridge. With the support of the Nidderdale Welcome Community Group, Huda is pursuing a dream to run her own catering business, building on her and her family’s previous life and work in Syria.

[Huda cooking]

As well as a three-course supper of authentic Syrian cuisine, guests heard a poignant presentation from Mohamad on his family’s pre-war life in Syria and journey to settling in Yorkshire, together with a fun quiz on Syria, all in the splendid setting of Outside the Box at The Arcade.

“We were thrilled to be able to welcome Road to Damascus to our local community and have had terrific feedback from event guests”

comments Amy Robinson, Marketing and Events Manager at Ilkley Community Enterprise,

“The opportunity to discover Syrian food, everything from Huda’s Special, stuffed vine leaves to chicken and rice, and desserts of milk pudding with sweet baklava, to learn about Syria’s rich culture and be inspired by the resilience and adaptability of Huda and her family, was so very much appreciated.”

One guest commented that it was “A perfect evening” and another was moved to say to the family “We love that you are here with us”.

Huda’s volunteer Business Mentor, Sue Eland, says:

“It is a pleasure to work with such a wonderful family and to share our experience and cultures. It has been a learning curve for us all but we hope that local people will support Huda on her way to realising her dream.”

[Huda and Mohamad]

Huda and her Road to Damascus team are now busy preparing for their Syrian cuisine take-away stall on The Grove in Ilkley starting on Saturday 5th April as well as taking bookings for private catering events and cooking demonstrations. For anyone who was missed the event at Outside the Box, pop along to see them on The Grove or contact Huda on roadtodamascus123@gmail.com

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