Member Article

£50k investment helps Yorkshire hotelier fulfil ambitions of owning a country pub

A Yorkshire hotelier has fulfilled a lifetime ambition of owning his own country pub after investing £50k to include a new outside eating area, second kitchen and the old Hay loft conversion to private dining.

Graham Usher, who has been in the hospitality industry since leaving school has taken over the Drovers Arms, at Skipwith, near Selby with his partner Martin Firth,

Future plans include creating a first-floor function room which would be able to cater for parties of up to 30, marquee functions or weddings, a cask ale festival and Gourmet dinners.

Graham, whose day job is managing the BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel in York, said: “For as long as I can remember I have wanted to own and run a traditional country pub offering something that little bit different.

“My eldest daughter, Elizabeth, has been working in the Drover for the last three years, so I already knew of it when it came on the market.

“Martin and I took the view that The Drovers Arms was definitely for us. It ticked all the boxes.

“It is in a great location in a beautiful village, a short stroll from a very busy holiday park, has a regular cliental and, more importantly, it has got so much potential.

“Owning a pub is not easy, but we inherited a great team and my children love being involved. It is a family pub and it’s great having my family involved.”

Whilst Graham is busy looking after the pub’s food and beverage operation, Martin, whose day job is at British Gas, is responsible for its online activity.

Martin said: “My expertise is with social media, and in addition to offering great value, service, food and beer, we need to be visible to potential customers looking for all of those attributes.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .