New beginnings at the New Inn in Appletreewick

New beginnings at the New Inn in Appletreewick

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, a beloved village pub is entering a bold new chapter. The New Inn, Appletreewick — once famous as the world’s first non-smoking pub — is back in the spotlight for all the right reasons.

A landmark for generations of locals, walkers and cyclists, the pub is enjoying a fresh resurgence thanks to new ownership, creative flair, and culinary ambition. Helmed by Alexa and Chris Ives, with chef Mikael Paylor leading the kitchen, the New Inn is poised to reclaim its place as a must-visit Dales destination for food, drink and hospitality.

Local roots, fresh perspective

After years of lying relatively dormant, the pub was taken over earlier this year by Appletreewick locals Alexa and Chris Ives. Both bring serious credentials. Alexa, a seasoned hospitality professional with front-of-house experience at the acclaimed Box Tree restaurant, now leads the New Inn’s team with hands-on dedication.

Chris, meanwhile, is a drinks industry veteran who founded Ilkley Brewery in 2009 before becoming a co-founder of Otterbeck Distillery, creators of the award-winning Cotton Gin. Together, the couple has quietly revitalised the pub, combining traditional charm with smart branding and a renewed sense of purpose.

Enter the chef

The final piece of the puzzle came in the form of Mikael Paylor, a Grassington native who returned to Wharfedale after a high-flying culinary career in London. Having trained under the likes of Richard Corrigan and Mark Hix, Mikael’s return marks a homecoming — and a leap into creative freedom.

Since moving in with his partner and pastry chef Sian Stansfield, Mikael has begun to transform the New Inn’s kitchen, embracing seasonal produce, local game, and ‘nose to tail’ cooking. Already, he’s gained traction online, with one of his TikTok videos on the philosophy behind his food racking up over 23,000 views.

A growing vision — literally

Plans for a kitchen garden, hydroponic wall, beehives, raised beds, a smokehouse, and a medieval orchard are already underway. Seven varieties of mushrooms are growing in the shed, and the pub’s Rayburn is soon to be used for breadmaking.

His signature dish — ox heart — showcases his dedication to using the whole animal, with meat sourced locally from Pateley Bridge and game supplied by his brother, a local gamekeeper.

Events to savour

The New Inn is also setting the stage for a series of foodie events, including a collaboration with award-winning beer sommelier Jane Peyton, where each course of a gourmet meal will be paired with a matching beer, cider, or spirit. Plans for seasonal outdoor feasts inspired by ferme auberge traditions are also in motion.

Sunday lunches and serious pub charm

Despite the innovation in the kitchen, Alexa and Mikael are committed to keeping the New Inn grounded as a proper Yorkshire pub. A standout offering so far? The Sunday lunch sharing platters, served family-style on vintage crockery — relaxed, plentiful, and deeply nostalgic.

Chris explains:

“People like the informality of helping themselves from beautiful vintage serving plates. It evokes traditional Sunday roasts from childhood.”

Hospitality with a view

The New Inn also offers six en-suite guest bedrooms, most with spectacular views of Wharfedale. Located right on the Dales Way, the pub is perfectly placed for walkers, whether tackling long-distance routes or enjoying a riverside amble between Burnsall and Bolton Abbey.

Alexa adds:

“Whether you’re here for a full walking weekend or a riverside stroll followed by a memorable meal, we want the New Inn to offer the warm welcome and experience to match.”