Revamped pub gets old name back (From Craven Herald)

Organic farmer takes over Giggleswick pub

12:50pm Sunday 14th February 2010 in News

An organic farmer from Rathmell has put a well-known North Craven pub back on the map and changed it back to its old name into the bargain.

Adrian Procter, from Far Cappleside Farm, bought the Old Station pub in Giggleswick and, after a complete refurbishment, has relaunched it as The Craven Arms.

Almost wholly family-run, the pub is managed by his sister, Deb Simpson, who worked there about 25 years ago. Adrian’s partner, Ann Chadwick, helps out while also working part-time as an operating department practitioner at Gisburne Park Hospital, in Gisburn.

The pub has had a difficult few years and three lots of landlords since 2004. Adrian hopes that bringing it back into use as a freehouse will prove to be the right tonic.

Head chef Richard Wright and his right-hand man Darren Monks, from Long Preston, always have fresh meat on hand through Mr Procter’s organic farm a couple of miles away. All the beef, lamb, pork and turkey is organic and travels just two-and-a-half miles from farm to fork.

Richard’s aim is to continue sourcing local suppliers for all other produce, basing the menu around the British seasons and not relying on non-seasonal produce from around the world.

“We have been open since mid-December and the feedback has been entirely positive so far,” said Richard, whose wife Natalie helps out with the front-of-house.

The new owner hopes going back to the pub’s former name will be its making.

“Looking on the deeds, it was originally called the Craven Arms so we have only put it back to what it was. It was probably changed to the Old Station because of its closeness to the railway station,” said Adrian.

“We are concentrating on the dining side, but are still making it possible for people to just call in for a drink. We have swapped the dining room and bar around so it is completely different inside. We have a dominoes team and darts will be starting again soon.

“We are still finishing one or two things off. The eight letting rooms should, hopefully, be ready in time for Easter and we are currently finishing bits of work off outside. We are looking forward to welcoming all the old customers back, as well as many new ones.”