Historic 19th century Harrogate inn prepares to “soar” over Christmas and New Year

On Day 4 of Bdaily’s 12 Days of Christmas, we hear from the Wild Swan at Minskip, near Boroughbridge, which has enjoyed a stellar end to the year with revenue in October and November increasing by over 60 per cent compared with last year.

This increase in revenue has been achieved despite “challenging” trading conditions in the hospitality industry. The historic 19th century inn, buoyed by the arrival of renowned local chef Paul Murphy and the stepping up of new general manager Nathan Wake, has now built an “outstanding” senior leadership team.

Alex Bond and Stephen Lennox, who bought the Wild Swan last year, have heralded this as the start of a “brand-new era” for the popular inn.

Alex commented: “Paul’s appointment has proved crucially important for the future of the Wild Swan. He has a superb reputation, and he has along with his talented team in the kitchen, already taken the Wild Swan to a completely new level in terms of the quality and the presentation of our food.

“Nathan joined us last September as assistant manager, and since stepping up to General Manager in August has brought great leadership, implementing new policies, procedures and staff training. He has created a superb guest experience for those dining or drinking with us.”

Alex explained that there was now a waiting list for lunch on Christmas Day, with all 60 covers taken. “We have been blown away by the positive reaction to our Christmas Day menu. We’ve had to turn people away, which we never like to do.”

Chef Paul Murphy, whose previous experience includes building up the acclaimed Timble Inn near Otley into a five-star hotel from scratch and working with “legendary” chef Frances Atkins at the Michelin-starred Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge, said he been made to feel very much at home by the Minskip community.

“I have had such a wonderful welcome from the village and I am delighted that Minskip and the surrounding district now has an inn to be proud of. I have completely revamped the menu and I am proud to have created enjoyable and imaginative food at competitive prices. I am both humbled and delighted by the reaction my food has received.”

“This is proving to be a fabulous opportunity as Alex and Stephen have given us all here a blank canvas. They want the Wild Swan to be at the heart of the Minskip community and to be loved and treasured by villagers – and it is.

“The global pandemic made life very difficult for country inns like the Wild Swan, with rocketing costs shutting many down, but now Alex, Stephen and I believe we have the chance to make the Swan one of the finest inns in the county – and we are seizing that chance with both hands.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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