About us

Janet and Mike Frank bought the pub in 2000, previously having owned The Blacksmiths Arms in nearby Lastingham. They embarked on a programme of extensive renovation to the pub, creating accommodation and opening the restaurant. Janet, originally from Farndale, and Mike, born in Gillamoor have both lived and worked in the local area all their lives, Janet in catering after her training at Scarborough Technical College and Mike at Spaunton Quarry.

Keen gardeners, Mike concentrates on growing many of the vegetables and salads used in the pub kitchen, and Janet tends to the large garden at the back of the pub when they are not busy looking after guests. Molly the dog, and daughter Carolyn get in the way, and do their best to help out when they can.

The regular barmaid, Lynne is an Appleton local, Julie the cook is from nearby Helmsley, and the rest of the staff also live locally, so there is always a friendly North Yorkshire welcome for residents and visitors alike.