Why Is The New Inn at Appletreewick a Finalist for the Deliciously Yorkshire Food Awards?

Ever walked past your local pub and wondered what goes on behind the scenes? Well, for one pub in Appletreewick, what’s happening is pretty special. The team at The New Inn is buzzing, and for good reason. They’ve been named as finalists in this year’s Deliciously Yorkshire awards, and not just in one category, but two! It’s a massive nod to their hard work and a sign that something exciting is cooking in this corner of Yorkshire. The New Inn isn't just any old pub; it's a place making waves in the regional food awards, and its story is about fresh starts, serious talent, and a passion for great food and drink.

A new chapter for a local pub

Taking over your local is a bit of a dream for many, isn't it? For Alexa and Chris Ives, that dream became a reality when they took on the New Inn. And it seems they’ve done a brilliant job. So brilliant, in fact, that their efforts have landed them a spot as finalists for the Best New Business award. You can just imagine the judges popping in, expecting a decent pint and a bite to eat, and leaving completely blown away. Getting shortlisted for something like Best New Business isn't just about having a fresh coat of paint and new menus. It's about vision and energy. It shows that the new owners have breathed life into the place, creating something that impresses experts in the food and drink community. Alexa and Chris Ives have clearly put their all into refreshing the pub's offering, creating a welcoming spot in Appletreewick that stands out. It's this kind of dedication that gets you noticed in the competitive world of Yorkshire food. They are now officially recognised as finalists, which is a huge achievement in itself.

This nomination celebrates the entire team’s hard work. It highlights the successful transformation of a beloved pub and the courage it takes to start a new business, especially in the hospitality world. The Deliciously Yorkshire awards are a big deal, so being in the running is a testament to their success.

A rising star in the kitchen

But the good news doesn't stop there. While the business as a whole is getting applause, there’s also a spotlight shining on the talent in the kitchen. The pioneering chef, Mikael Paylor, has been recognised as a finalist for the Rising Star Award. This is one of those awards that gets everyone talking. It’s for the chefs who are doing something different, the ones with a spark of genius who are set to become the next big thing. Mikael's nomination suggests he’s a chef with some serious talent and a flair for innovation.

What does innovation in a pub kitchen even look like? It could be anything from sourcing local ingredients in a new way to creating dishes that challenge what people expect from pub food. It’s about more than just a perfect pie; it’s about creativity and a unique taste that makes you remember the meal long after you’ve left. The Rising Star Award is a huge high-five to Mikael Paylor for his skill and vision. It points to a chef who is pushing boundaries and adding a touch of magic to the menu. The judges obviously saw something special in the food, a certain quality that made them think, "this chef is going places." It’s this combination of a great new business vision and raw talent in the kitchen that makes The New Inn a double threat at these food awards.

What are the Deliciously Yorkshire awards all about?

So, what's all the fuss about these awards? Well, for anyone who loves food in the north of England, the Deliciously Yorkshire awards are the ones to watch. For over two decades, the Deliciously Yorkshire organisation has been the biggest cheerleader for the region's food and drink community. They support everyone from farmers and producers to chefs and restaurateurs across Yorkshire and the Humber. Think of them as the guardians of great taste.

Their yearly awards are the biggest of their kind in this part of the country. This year, they had a record number of entries, which makes being chosen as finalists even more impressive. These aren’t just any awards; they celebrate tradition while also giving a massive thumbs-up to innovation. It’s a brilliant way to showcase the incredible food and drink that comes from the region. From artisan cheesemakers to groundbreaking chefs, the awards highlight the very best of the Yorkshire food scene. Being a finalist means you’re considered one of the top players in a very talented field. It's a genuine mark of quality recognised by the whole food and drink community. The quirky name of a local photographer, Little Green Jesus, even comes to mind when thinking about the unique character of the area celebrated by these awards.

All eyes on the award ceremony

The next big date for the team at The New Inn is Tuesday 4th November. That’s when everyone will get their fancy clothes on and head to Harrogate for the big award ceremony. An award ceremony is always a night of excitement and nerves. This particular ceremony is set to be a proper celebration of the region's food scene. The event will be hosted by Nigel Barden, a well-known food and drink broadcaster who really champions the industry. Having a host like Nigel Barden adds a bit of stardust to the evening.

The whole team will be there, waiting to hear the results. It’s the culmination of all their hard work. Alexa summed up the mood perfectly:

“We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for Best New Business in these awards and that Mike’s talent and innovation in the kitchen has also been identified by the judges. We are all very much looking forward to the award ceremony next month and have all our fingers crossed for that!”

It’s a huge moment for this local pub, putting them on the map as one of the best places for food in Yorkshire. Whatever happens at the final ceremony, getting this far is a massive win. The whole of Appletreewick will surely be cheering them on.