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Jul 2024
Rebrand in Ripon to see return of traditional pub name
A planning application has been approved to re-brand a Ripon bar and restaurant.
The news comes after UK pub chain Greene King sought listed building consent from North Yorkshire Council to replace the signs at SO! Bar and Eats.
Greene King owns the Ripon site, which is near the Market Place, but it is operated by Appetite for Life Ltd.
But, the design and access statement, submitted as part of the application, suggests the pub is going back to its “traditional identity”.
The site will be re-named The Black Bull – which was its name before being taken over by Appetite for Life Ltd.
The document adds the building is “in need” of an exterior refurbishment and is set to be repainted before the new logo is painted and signage installed.
A logo will be painted on the building (as pictured below), and a new hanging sign and signpost are to be installed as part of the makeover.
The proposed new logo. Credit: Ashleigh.
Change of hands
The Stray Ferret contacted Appetite for Life to ask if any operational changes will be made amid the re-brand.
Managing director Robert Thompson said the company will not renew its lease with Greene King:
Following the end of a second five-year lease agreement with Greene King, Appetite for Life Ltd, which has operated So! Bar and Eats since 2013, has decided not to renew the lease again.
Having recently opened the Mucky Duck in Harrogate, and a new site planned in Starbeck, for strategic and personal reasons we decided we couldn't sign up for another five years.
However, Mr Thompson said he wanted to “ensure the site and jobs were secure”, adding the existing manager, Jason, has taken over the new lease:
Jason has done an amazing job for us over the years and has some fabulous new ideas to take the business in a new direction.
We would like to take this new opportunity to thank all customers over the years, as the people of Ripon have been very good to us.
You are in very safe hands with Jason!
Mr Thompson told the Stray Ferret the move will not affect any other Appetite for Life Ltd-operated sites, including SO! Bar and Eats in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
The site is set to change hands in August, he added.
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