A well-known North Yorkshire pub is set to reopen this weekend – after it was closed for nearly three weeks for a huge refurbishment.
The Drovers Arms in Skipwith, ten miles south of York, closed on Tuesday 2 January for an ‘extensive’ refurbishment and is to have a grand reopening today (Saturday 20 January), with a pre-opening event yesterday evening.
The idea for the refurb had been a long time coming, and after celebrating their 10th birthday in November 2023, the team knew it was time for a change-up and to begin a new chapter.
“It has always been in our long term plan to fully refurbish the Drovers and give it a new story for the next 10 years,” Graham Usher, managing director at the Drovers Arms, told YorkMix.
“We committed a massive £150,000 to bring this new concept to life.”
The new concept for the award-winning restaurant and country pub includes a complete change to the decor, making it more “cosy and contemporary.”
“The scheme we are delivering is both on trend and timeless in stylish quality,” said Graham.
The Drovers Arms have worked with local Yorkshire companies for the refurb, such as Harrogate-based interior designers Studio Two – who have worked on York venues such as Rustique, Bora Bora, and Lucia – and Barlby-based contractors Greenoak Developments.
“Having watched the process every day, I’m even taken back and so excited about the reopening – we really have taken The Drovers into a new league.
“Visitors will be taken aback by the stunning transformation.”
Though the interior is undergoing a big revamp, the “core menu” at the Drovers Arms will not change.
“We have always wanted our menu to be accessible for multi generations of diners,” Graham explained. “It’s important for us to offer a variety of menu item choices.
“We use all local suppliers within Yorkshire for all our meat, vegetables and other fresh produce – such as honey from Thorganby and our own signature gin from Fairfax Distillery in Carlton.
“We will only go further afield if we can’t find it on our door step!”
The menu includes small plates, fresh fish delivered from family run fish business F.R. Fowler and Son Burnholme Fisheries, grills and burgers from Yorkshire Dales Meat Company, pub classics, and more.
From next week, The Drovers Arms will be taking table bookings seven days a week, and is open for lunch and dinner everyday.
Take a look below to see a sneak peak of the transformation at The Drovers Arms!
“It’s certainly now a first choice destination for great food, stunning surroundings, cocktails and personally selected wines,” said Graham.
To find out more or to make a booking, visit The Drovers Arms website.
