Food & Drink: Ripon pub’s revival

At the renovated South Lodge pub-restaurant are Jamie Hanson (Punch Taverns' New Business Development Director North) , Mandy Southall (Punch Taverns' Regional Operations Director) , Anne Waddington (Inglenook Inns and Taverns), Jim Owthwaite (New Business Development Manager) and James Waddington (Inglenook Inns and Taverns).

The South Lodge Hotel in Ripon is experiencing a new lease of life following a £300,000 investment.

This well-loved community pub, run by Inglenook Inns and Taverns, has been totally renovated, retaining its traditional style, but given a fresh new look.

As well as the traditional interior design - which includes a feature wall with a map of Ripon - a new menu has been introduced featuring favourite pub classics using the very best that Yorkshire has to offer, both seasonally and locally-sourced produce.

The pub-restaurant also offers a wide range of cask ales and hand selected wines.

After being run by ex-Ripon City Golf Club captain Brian Perry for nearly two decades, the South Lodge is now run by new manager Craig Simcox and his wife Julie.

James Waddington, Managing Director of Inglenook Inns and Taverns, said that it was important that the pub kept its local identity within the community.

James said: “The comments we have received from our customers.

“They love the new look – especially the local references in the design and feature wall. We love to rejuvenate favourite classics, as well as our traditional Sunday Roasts.

“We hope we have created a good value, family-friendly venue. We’re even looking to introduce ‘Knit & Natter’ and book groups and are encouraging feedback from our customers to see what they really want at their pub.

“Our live entertainment evenings are doing well.”