'Lovely' new Ripon pub is to open after a rebrand by couple who made their name at Malt Shovel
A popular couple who ran a famous village pub near Ripon say they have “decided to be brave” and launch a new pub of their own.
Laura Davis and partner James Campbell say they loved working at the 16th century Malt Shovel in Brearton for nearly four years, building a great reputation and client base.
But they felt compelled to take the leap and go independent with a new venture.
“The company we worked for at the Malt Shovel were great to work for and incredibly helpful,” the couple said.
"We learned a lot but we found that, in today's climate, sharing profits just wasn't working for us.
"We have decided to be brave and take the leap and go it alone.
"We know times are hard for the trade but we have every faith that we can make a success of it.”
Laura and James took their time finding a location that suited them, before settling on a beautiful and picturesque countryside pub on the outskirts of Ripon, close to Ripon Racecourse.
Originally called the Blackamoor Inn, the couple will be renaming it before reopening it shortly.
"While we respect the history behind the pub, we will be putting our own stamp on it and rebranding it,” said Laura and James.
"We thought long and hard and come up with the name the Furlong and Furrow.
"Because of the pub’s proximity to the famous Ripon Racecourse and its relations to local farming and agriculture we felt this name was the perfect fit.”
The new Furlong and Furrow will be a public house and eatery with no immediate plans to offer bedrooms – for the moment.
"Our vision is to create a warm, homely and welcoming environment for our customers to enjoy locally sourced and fresh to order gastro seasonal dining with a good selection of real local ales and fine wines.
"We don't want to run before we can walk but we do have plans for the future.”
Laura and James say they expect to open the doors of the new Furlong and Furrow in mid-May.
More information: https://thefurlongandfurrow.co.uk/