pub Archives - Page 6 of 15 - The Stray Ferret

Village pub reopens under new owners

A 16th–century country pub near Ripon reopens today after seven months of closure for refurbishment.

The Staveley Arms in North Stainley has been relaunched with new proprietors. They are general manager Oliver Renton, alongside Steve Mortimer and Fay Howell, who also run The Turkey Inn near Keighley.

Steve Mortimer and Fay Howell.

Steve said:

“When The Staveley Arms opportunity was presented to us, we leapt at the chance. It’s been wonderful working alongside James Staveley and the whole North Stainley team to get the pub open again. They’ve been involved in the whole process and, like us, are keen to bring the pub back to life and back to being the heart of the village. It was great to see the excitement around the re-opening at the recent North Stainley Together community meeting too.

“We plan to use produce from the estate and are keen to source local produce for our menu where possible. We’ve kept all the traditional Staveley Arms features, as well as adding some fresh ideas too. We’ve all invested a lot into renovating and redecorating the pub to create a cosy environment that we hope customers from near and far will enjoy. We have some big plans to expand the offering too, so there will always be something going on.”

The Staveley Arms also has eight en-suite rooms housed inside The Old Coach House, which have remained open throughout the pub’s closure.

General manager Oliver Renton said:

“The Staveley Arms has so much to offer. I’ve worked in the industry for over 20 years and The Staveley Arms has it all. Internally and externally it’s an amazing venue offering so much space and opportunity – the beer garden alone can accommodate 80 customers.

“It’s a traditional country pub, the fires will be roaring, walkers and dogs will be welcome all year round, and there will always be a good choice of Yorkshire ales available, plus of course our own Staveley Arms ales.”

The beer garden of The Staveley Arms at North Stainley.

The kitchen will be led by chef Loc Bui, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.

The Staveley Arms will host a quiz night on Wednesdays and a real ale club on Thursdays, when all house and guest cask ales will be sold at £3.50 a pint.

The pub is taking bookings for its Christmas menu, and there is also a wreath-making class with a glass of fizz and a mince pie planned for Monday, December 11.

Artist completes mural on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road

The finishing touches were applied to a mural on Harrogate’s Cold Bath Road today.

Simon Colgan, owner of The Last Post pub, commissioned artist Richard Duffield to create a Harrogate-themed mural on the side of the building.

After seven days of work, a bright image of the town’s famous Royal Pump Room Museum now greets passers-by on the busy street.

Mr Duffield told the Stray Ferret it had been a difficult assignment because of the pebble-dash surface but he hoped people would like it.

It is the latest stage in the transformation of The Last Post since Mr Colgan took it over less than a year ago.

Campaigners toast £330,000 grant to relaunch village pub

Villagers campaigning to save an old inn have been awarded a £330,000 government grant to help them buy and refurbish it as a community-owned pub, bistro and coffee shop.

Levelling Up Minister Jacob Young announced the Community Ownership Fund grant this week for the Henry Jenkins Inn at Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon, which has been the subject of a long battle by local residents to save it from redevelopment.

The application for the funding was submitted by Andy Taylor, treasurer of Henry Jenkins Community Pub Ltd (HJCP), the resident-controlled company trying to buy the pub. He said:

“We burned the midnight oil to get our Community Ownership Fund application in shape and I’m enormously proud that we’ve been selected for grant approval.

“There is a lot to do, including raising the funds pledged by our membership, but this vote of confidence from the government will get some real impetus behind the campaign to restore the Henry Jenkins as a much-loved community asset in the village.”

The £330,000 grant is understood to be dependent on 20% match funding, meaning that HJCP needs to come up with £66,000 in order to access it.

The chair of HJCP, Richard Sadler, said:

“We’re delighted that the minister and the Community Ownership Fund team have recognised that we’ve put forward a realistic and properly costed business plan for the purchase and refurbishment of this important local asset. Together with more than £200,000 worth of pledged community shares from local people, this puts us in a strong position to do something exceptional.

“We’re convinced that the revival of this historic building as a community-owned facility can make a huge difference to our village by creating an exciting new social space, bringing people together and helping to kick-start the regeneration of the local economy.”

The Henry Jenkins opened in the 1700s but closed in 2011 and was bought by current owner David Fielder the following year. At the instigation of local residents, it was first listed by Harrogate Borough Council as an asset of community value in 2017. However, in 2018 the listing on the eastern annexe was removed by the council, when it was sold to Mr Fielder’s business associate, Justin Claybourn.

Since then, the owners and campaigners have been at loggerheads, with Mr Fielder rejecting six purchase offers from the HJCP group and refusing permission for a site survey. Mr Claybourn once even told HJCP that he would not sell to them “at any time or any price”.

Happy to sell

But Mr Fielder told the Stray Ferret today he’d be willing to sell the pub immediately, for the right price. He said:

“I’d be happy to sell. It’s up to them to call in the pledges, and then we’ll sell – for either £250,000 for the pub or £500,000 for the whole site including the house next door.

“It’s stood empty since 2012, so it’d be nice to see it put to proper use.”

Mr Sadler would not be drawn on how much HJCP would be willing to pay, but said:

“We remain open to discussions with Mr Fielder, but we won’t entertain the idea of buying at above market price, and we insist on being able to have a survey and structural assessment carried out before negotiations begin, so that we can calculate exactly what the refurbishment costs would be.

“The owner has allowed the pub to fall into a dilapidated state, he’s stripped out the interior, the roof has started to fall in, and the beer garden is completely overgrown. Through our local ward councillor, we have begun preliminary discussions with North Yorkshire Council over a proposed compulsory purchase order to break the deadlock and secure the Henry Jenkins for future generations.

“We would like to make clear that we still regard compulsory purchase as a last resort. We are always open to discussions with the owner over purchase of the site but we will only pay a fair market price and so would need his permission for a proper valuation and structural survey.”

The Mechanics Institute in Kirkby Malzeard

The Queen’s Head is also in the village.

Mr Fielder, who lives near Selby, bought his first pub in 1987 and has since amassed a broad property portfolio, which includes 18 pubs across North and West Yorkshire, industrial estates, farms, residential properties and student lets.

Despite being prepared to sell the Henry Jenkins, he said he feared what impact its refurbishment might have on other local businesses. He said:

“God knows what effect it’ll have on the Queens Head and the Mechanics’ Institute. There’s no way a village like Kirkby Malzeard can sustain three licensed premises plus an off-licence. That’s a fact, and I’ll be proved right.

“There’s a lot of people struggling at the moment, so I think they might have difficulties collecting all the pledges. But that’s their problem, not mine.

“If they can come up with the money, that’d be fantastic, but if they can’t then there’s no story, I’m afraid.”

The Henry Jenkins is named after a Yorkshire supercentenarian from Ellerton-on-Swale – 20 miles north of Kirkby Malzeard – who was said to have been 169 years old when he died in 1670.

Harrogate district pub of the year receives award

Harrogate Tap has received an award for being named Harrogate district pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale.

The pub, which is situated in the restored railway building at Harrogate station, was voted first ahead of more than 150 eligible pubs in the area.

Alan Gould, chairman of the Harrogate and Ripon branch of Camra, said the “beautifully restored” pub had been recognised for its “outstanding quality of beer” and ambience.

Mr Gould said the pub, which won the same award in 2015, consistently served excellent beer. Its open fire also makes it a popular winter destination.

It was chosen ahead of other pubs that sell real ale in and around Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Masham.

The Harrogate Tap is owned by Pivovar, which also runs Tapped Leeds, Sheffield Tap, Newcastle Tap and York Tap.

It has 12 lines of real cask ale, including the Tapped Brew Co ales it brews in Sheffield.

The pub serves 12 types of real ale.

Manager Tidgh Collins and previous manager Adam Whiteley received a commemorative certificate from Mr Gould.

It joined 17 other top pubs in the quest to find Yorkshire’s best pub and a place in CAMRA’s national pub of the year competition. However, that accolade went to the Beer Engine in Skipton.

Sneak Peek: The Knaresborough Inn boosts town’s flourishing hospitality appeal

Knaresborough’s hospitality offering is undergoing something of a renaissance.

Last week 1858 bar and restaurant opened in the former NatWest bank on High Street.

On Monday, the historic Dower House will reopen as The Knaresborough Inn under new ownership.

Both venues have undergone major refurbishments to offer something more ambitious than the average hospitality business.

The new bar.

The Inn Collection Group, which bought The Knaresborough Inn along with the former George Hotel in Harrogate and the Ripon Spa Hotel, markets its venues as ‘inns with rooms’ rather than hotels.

Its business model therefore focuses as much on attracting local people for food and drink as it does on providing three-star accommodation for tourists.

The Knaresborough venue, which closed last summer, held a VIP preview day today.

It no longer has a spa and gym but the number of rooms has increased from 38 to 56. The inn will serve food seven days a week from morning to night and the outdoor area has been upgraded with more seating.

The outdoor area can seat 100 guests.

A spokesman said:

“The idea is that this is as much a place for locals as it is visitors.

“If you want cake and coffee in the afternoon, a breakfast before work, a quick lunch or a night out for a treat, we will cater for you.”

The Knaresborough Inn employs 47 staff and can seat 125 customers inside and 100 outside.

Operations manager Paul Brown (left) and general manager Ian Durrant toast the inn today.

A new portico entrance has been built on the Grade II-listed 15th century building.

General manager Ian Durrant said:

“This has been a year in the making and it’s wonderful for Knaresborough.

“I’m really excited because it’s a beautiful reincarnation of a well known venue.”

Guests at today’s VIP preview opening.

The Inn Collection Group, which is based in Newcastle, has 33 venues in northern England and north Wales, including eight in Yorkshire.

The Ripon Spa Hotel is due to reopen as the Ripon Inn in October. A precise date has not been revealed but it is expected to be in the second half of the month.

The Harrogate Inn, formerly the St George Hotel, reopened on July 3 after a 152-day refurbishment.

The former Dower House has a new name and look.

One of the rooms in what used to be the spa.

Where to watch the World Cup final in the Harrogate district

Pubs, sports clubs and other venues across the Harrogate district are gearing up for a morning like no other tomorrow, as England’s Lionesses face Spain in the World Cup Final.

The match takes place at Stadium Australia in Sydney, kicking off at 11am UK time.

The early start has not deterred fans and businesses alike from making the most of the occasion.

No doubt the biggest cheers will be for Rachel Daly, the former Rossett School student and Killinghall Nomads junior player, who will be hoping to start once again for the Lionesses.

Here’s a round-up of some of the places putting on a special event for the match.

If you know anywhere else, email us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add it to the list.

Harrogate

The Empress on the Stray will be open from 10am to welcome fans.

The Tap on Tower Street is opening its doors at 11am for the match.

The Den, on Cambridge Road, will be showing the match.

The Balcony at Harrogate Cricket Club will be open from 10am, with bacon butties, hot drinks and the bar open. Book a seat via the website.

Husk Beer Emporium will be open for the match from 11am.

Harrogate Conservative Club on East Parade will be showing it from 10.45am.

Bilton Cricket Club on Bilton Lane is opening at 10am and offering a free pint to anyone who wears their England shirt. Check the club’s Facebook page for booking details.

Starbeck Working Men’s Club on Forest Avenue will be showing the match on a big screen, with doors open from 10.30am.

The Knox in Bilton will be serving breakfast butties from 10.30am ready for kick-off.

The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road will be open from 10.30am and serving sausage and bacon butties.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Town Football Club on Manse Lane is hosting a watch party, with doors open from 10.30am.

The Cricketers on Thistle Hill will be open from 10am for the match.

Ripon

The Black Swan in Westgate is throwing a Women’s World Cup Final party from 10.30am, with a raffle and England merchandise.

So! Bar and Eats in Old Market Square will open its doors at 10.30am. There will be free bacon sandwiches until kick-off.

Ripon Bowling Club in Bondgate Green is opening from 9am for fans to gather and watch the build-up and match together.

Police reveal reason behind Harrogate pub closure

North Yorkshire Police has revealed why a Harrogate pub was forced to close.

The Stone Beck at Jennyfields stopped serving customers on August 4.

A police spokesperson said:

“The pub has closed because it does not currently have a designated premises supervisor appointed, which is a legal pre-requisite for alcohol to be sold lawfully at a licensed premises.

“Without a designated premises supervisor, a pub cannot legally sell alcohol.”

A designated premises supervisor has day-to-day responsibility for running business that sell or supply alcohol.

Last week landlord Phill Kirby told the Stray Ferret the pub had closed due to a “licensing issue” and would open in “due course”.

North Yorkshire Council, the licensing authority, said it had “no current actions on this premises”.

Harrogate pub hopes to reopen next week after ‘licensing issue’

The landlord of a Harrogate pub has said he hopes to reopen next week after a short closure.

The Stone Beck at Jennyfields closed on Friday last week.

Phill Kirby, who has been landlord for almost four years, told the Stray Ferret it was due to a “licensing issue”.

He added:

“I have apologised for what’s happened and the pub will be opening again in due course.”

Asked if he had a date, Mr Kirby said he was hoping for Tuesday next week.

The pub, on Grantley Drive, is located in the heart of Jennyfields, close to the Coop.

The pub is in the Jennyfields centre.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council, the licensing authority, said:

“North Yorkshire Council has no current actions on this premises.”

Nidderdale pub visited by Kate Winslet wins CAMRA country pub award

A Nidderdale pub has been named country pub of the year by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The Crown at Middlesmoor has picked up the award, which recognises “beer quality and its contribution to the community and tourism”.

Alan Gould, chair of the Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA, presented the prize to landlady Angie Snow and her son Samuel.

Mr Gould said village pubs were important and pointed out some were the subject to campaigns to be bought by their local communities.

In a post on its social media, the pub said:

“So we have just been awarded country pub of the year 2023. So proud of all our staff who work hard to keep us going.”

The pub is known to attract celebrities on occasion and was visited by Oscar winning actress, Kate Winslet, in May this year.

Kate Winslet, centre, with Megan Dunn and Angela Snow at the Crown in Middlesmoor

Kate Winslet, centre, with Megan Dunn and Angela Snow at the pub this year.

CAMRA’s Harrogate and Ripon branch covers a large area of North Yorkshire including parts of a national park and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

It runs two separate pub of the year awards, one for country pub and another for town pubs.

Last month, CAMRA awarded The Oatlands club on Coronation Grove in Harrogate best club in the area for 2023.

Sneak peek: Transformed Harrogate hotel to re-open on Monday

A new chapter in the history of one of Harrogate’s most famous hotels will begin on Monday when it reopens with a new name and completely fresh look.

The Harrogate Inn, formerly known as the St George Hotel, is one of three major local hotels to have undergone multi-million pound renovations by the Inn Collection Group.

Ripon Spa Hotel and Dower House will re-open shortly under new names the Ripon Inn and the Knaresborough Inn.

The Harrogate Inn has a new main entrance on Crescent Gardens that leads into a bar called the Barking George — a nod to its former name.

Visitors will walk into the Barking George bar.

The adjoining area, which used to serve food to hotel guests, has been transformed into a food and beverage area called Stray Away, which the owners hope will become a destination for local people.

It will serve breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas and coffees, lunches and evening meals in the hope of attracting customers for 18 hours a day. It also has a separate Sunday menu.

Six new ground floor suites have increased the number of rooms from 90 to 96.

One of the new suites.

The outdoor terrace has been redeveloped and the Ripon Road entrance will lead to another smaller bar. The existing rooms have undergone only minor changes.

An Inn Collection Group spokesman said:

“The reason we pitch ourselves as inns rather than hotels is because we make the space work from breakfast to night.

“It’s a new place to come and eat and drink. We want it to become a destination for locals to enjoy as much as hotel guests. Ultimately, that’s what will make us successful rather than just relying on high season visitors.”

Andrew Robson, senior communications and marketing executive and Louise Stewart, property director at the Inn Collection Group outside the Harrogate Inn.

The Newcastle-based Inn Collection Group has 32 venues in northern England, including eight in North Yorkshire.

Henry White, who previously managed the company’s Commissioners Quay in Blyth, has been appointed general manager.

The new name is displayed.

It will be the first of three local Inn Collection Group properties to reopen this summer.

The Knaresborough Inn — formerly the Dower House — is scheduled to reopen on August 20. It will have 57 rooms, compared with 41 previously, largely due to the closure of the spa.

The reopening of the Ripon Inn — formerly Ripon Spa Hotel — was scheduled for August 20 but may not happen until early September. The number of rooms will increase from 41 to 57.

The domed roof remains.

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