Everything You Need to Know About The Furlong and Furrow Coming Soon to Ripon

Ever get that feeling when your favourite local spot changes hands and you hold your breath, hoping the new people are just as good? Well, the folks in Ripon are in for a treat. A familiar duo, known for their top-tier hospitality, is taking a massive leap of faith to open a brand-new venue of their own. It’s a story about being brave, putting your own stamp on things, and creating a place for the whole community to enjoy. This isn't just another pub opening; it's the start of something special for the local area, a new addition that promises great food and a warm welcome.

A new chapter for a familiar team

If you’ve been around the Harrogate and Ripon pub scene, you might know the names Laura and James. For the last three and a half years, they were the friendly faces behind the award-winning Malt Shovel in Brearton. And they didn't just run it; they made it a massive success. Think five-star TripAdvisor ratings, a hat-trick of Travellers' Choice awards, and even nominations for Chef of the Year and Host of the Year at the Harrogate Hospitality awards. Basically, they know a thing or two about creating a fantastic experience for their customers.

But after all that hard work and success at the Malt Shovel, they felt it was time for a change. While they learned a lot working with a pub company, the duo decided it was time to be brave and go it alone. It’s a tough climate for the hospitality industry, but Laura and James are confident they have what it takes to make their own venture a roaring success. They explained that no one will work harder to achieve this than their team. It’s this passion and dedication that has the local community so excited to see what they do next with their own independent venue.

Out with the old, in with the Furlong and Furrow

After carefully considering a few local spots, they found the perfect place: the former Blackamoor Inn. Situated on the outskirts of Ripon, it’s a beautiful countryside venue, practically a stone's throw from the famous Ripon Racecourse. But don't get too used to the old name. Laura and James are giving the place a complete rebrand to make it their own. The historic name of the Blackamoor Inn is being retired, as they felt it wasn’t quite right for a modern venue. Instead, they’ve come up with something that perfectly captures the spirit of the location: The Furlong and Furrow.

What’s in a name? A lot, actually. 'Furlong' is a nod to the nearby Ripon Racecourse, a huge part of Ripon's identity. And 'Furrow' pays tribute to the area's rich farming and agricultural roots. It’s a clever bit of branding that shows they’re not just opening a business; they’re embedding themselves in the local culture. The Furlong and Furrow is set to be a venue that feels like it truly belongs in its picturesque corner of Yorkshire. This thoughtful approach is a clear signal of the hard work and care they're putting into this new venture.

What to expect from the new venue

So, what will The Furlong and Furrow be all about? The vision is simple but brilliant: create a warm, homely, and welcoming place for customers to relax and enjoy fantastic food and drink. They are aiming for an elevated and warm hospitality experience, delivered by a team that genuinely cares about making everyone feel at home. It’s all about creating a fantastic atmosphere for the public.

Here’s a little taste of what the new team is planning:

• Gastro Dining: Forget your standard pub grub. The menu will focus on seasonal dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Think delicious, high-quality food that changes with the seasons.

• Local Ales and Fine Wines: The bar will be stocked with a great selection of real local ales, perfect for those who love a good pint, alongside a carefully chosen list of fine wines.

• A True Welcome: Above all, the focus will be on creating a friendly environment. Whether you're a local from the community or a visitor to Ripon, the goal is for everyone to receive a proper Yorkshire welcome.

This new addition to the Ripon food scene is shaping up to be a must-visit spot, combining brilliant food with genuine hospitality. The whole project is a testament to what local businesses can bring to a community.

Big plans and an exciting opening

Starting a new business is a marathon, not a sprint. Laura and James are taking a sensible 'don't run before you can walk' approach. While the venue does have bedrooms, they won’t be available to book just yet. The initial focus is on getting the public house and eatery absolutely perfect. Once the core of the business is established, they have exciting plans to invest in the rooms, transforming them into a more boutique and inviting offering for guests. This future project will be something to look forward to.

The keys are in their hands from early May, and the real work begins then. They’re busy finalising the branding and teaming up with some fabulous local suppliers to bring their vision to life. The doors are expected to swing open to the public for a soft opening in mid-May. Mark your calendars for the official welcome party, scheduled for the evening of Friday, 15th May. The public is asked to be patient as the interior work will be an ongoing project, but the priority is to get the doors open and welcome customers in.

The grand opening night promises to be a fantastic celebration. Guests can expect to sample delicious canapés from the exciting new menu, giving a preview of the gastro delights to come. To top it all off, there will be live music from the talented singer Amara. It’s set to be a brilliant night and a fitting launch for what will surely be a cherished addition to the Ripon community. The Furlong and Furrow is ready to welcome everyone soon.