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26
Sept 2024
Boroughbridge pub entrepreneur takes on Knaresborough village venue
Pub entrepreneur Simon Wade has taken on his latest challenge — a village pub near Knaresborough.
Mr Wade currently owns three pubs in the Boroughbridge area, Grantham Arms, Tap on the Tutt and Fox and Hounds.
He is set to become the owner of The Blue Bell at Arkendale next week. The pub will open under his management on Tuesday October 1.
The venue will remain under the ownership of West Park Inns Limited until then.
Mr Wade said:
I have been in the area for a long time and about 25 years ago there was a corridor of inland country inns which were really popular. Recently the Tiger Inn (in Coneythorpe) and the General Tarleton (in Ferrensby) closed but the demographic hasn’t changed, people still want to go out.
It is a step towards Knaresborough and Wetherby but in my operating area, not too far from Boroughbridge.
This opportunity came to me, and I am embracing it, I want to rebirth The Blue Bell and restore it to its former glory.
He added they have retained the core team who already work at the Blue Bell, meaning his pub collection now employs a total of 75 people, who are all based in the local area.
He aims to “countrify” the venue and it is set to get upgrades costing a significant sum.
The inn is set to get upgraded equipment, new features, furniture and uniforms. As well as signage, colours, and a new menu.
Food at Tap on the Tutt, owned by Simon Wade
Mr Wade said:
I want to give the pub more of a village, local friendly feel and up the anti on food to make it a destination for a food experience.
He and his head chef Jo Hepworth, formerly of the Swinton Estate and The Grantham Arms, are currently redesigning the menu which will go live next week.
He said it will “have seasonal changes and will have more of a traditional, country inn feeling.”
Mr Wade now owns four venues in the district and described himself as “an independent lad who has built [his business] up by being consistent."
He said that four venues are enough for now but added:
That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop looking at opportunities. I am here to make a really nice venue in Arkendale and put everything I can into it.
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