THE latest chapter in the long history of a dale pub has got off to a good start – with the new operators winning an award within months of taking over.
The Milbank Arms, in Barningham, which dates back to the 17th century, is now being run as a joint venture between owners Sir Edward and Lady Natalie Milbank and Coastal and Country Inns (CCI), a company established pre-pandemic by industry expert Chris Hannon.
Following the completion of renovations to bring the premises up to date and offer accommodation, the pub bagged the SME News Northern Enterprise Award for Best Traditional Yorkshire Dales Country Inn and Pub 2021.
Mr Hannon, who has more than 30 years’ experience in leisure and hospitality, explained CCI’s involvement at The Milbank Arms came about almost by chance.
CCI manages The Owl, at Hawnby, North Yorkshire, on the Mexborough Estates, and Mr Hannon was introduced to the Milbanks through the Mexborough family.
This led to discussions about the Milbank Arms followed by agreement to make it part of the CCI portfolio.
“It is a joint venture between us and Sir Edward and Lady Natalie. They are still very much involved,” said Mr Hannon, CCI’s managing director.
“They have put a lot of effort and money into bringing this place back to where it should be and we are the custodians of their good name.”
Mr Hannon said the pub catered to everyone from visitors looking for quality accommodation to locals out to enjoy a pint by the fireside.
“We believe in the local inn that serves the community both socially and economically. They can be the social centre of the village but also the economic centre as well.”
He said this included sourcing meat and produce for the menu locally and keeping food miles to a minimum.
“We know all the farmers who supply us and do our own butchery, smoking and charcuterie. We want to offer a traditional country pub with a modern twist,” he said.
“We take great care in the produce we source and how we cook it, but it’s still a place where you can come for a pint – dogs and muddy boots welcome.”
One innovation that has been introduced is the “barter board” .
If local growers have a surfeit of produce, they can offer it to the pub.
“For example, if you have a glut of kale in your garden, we will barter in beer and put it on the menu. It’s really a way of starting a conversation,” said Mr Hannon.
The day-to-day running of The Milbank Arms is currently in the hands of CCI’s commercial director, Karen Boyle, who has a wealth of experience in the sector, and there are plans to appoint a manager later in the year.
