Top chef Paul Murphy takes over at The Aldwark Arms near Easingwold

Warren and Sue Taylor, who took it on Aldwark Arms in May 2021 have heralded the arrival of Executive Chef Paul Murphy as the start of a new era for the popular inn.

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Warren said: “Paul’s appointment is vital to the future of the Aldwark Arms. He has an excellent reputation built up over many years and we have no doubt that he will take our beautiful eatery to a whole new level in terms of the quality of our food.”

Paul Murphy’s previous experience includes building the prestigious Timble Inn near Otley into a five star hotel from the ground up and working with legendary chef Frances Atkins at the Michelin starred Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge. More recently he has garnered many admirers and rave reviews when he was Executive Chef at The Crown at Roecliffe and The Wild Swan at Minskip.

“I have had such a wonderful welcome in the village and am overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I am receiving from Warren and Sue. I am determined to give Aldwark and the surrounding area a pub restaurant to be proud of. I am completely redesigning the menu and am fully committed to creating enjoyable and imaginative food at competitive prices. I haven’t been here long, but the response so far has been great.

“I want to repeat the success I had at the Timble Inn, which my wife and I ran from 2009-2014. Like the Timble, the Aldwark Arms has immense potential. This is a fantastic opportunity. Warren and Sue gave me a blank canvas. They just want the Aldwark Arms to be at the heart of the village community and to be loved and cherished by the villagers.”

Originally from Johannesburg, the Taylors came to the UK so their eldest daughter could study here.

Sue said: “To be honest it hasn’t been the easiest of times since we arrived. The combination of Covid, the war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis has been a challenge whilst the recent closure of the Aldwark Bridge has cut off the most popular route into our village.

“But we are optimists through and through and – with Paul on board – the future looks extremely bright. Luckily the bridge will be re-opening in October, just in time for the busy holiday season and we will be working incredibly hard until then to ensure we are in top shape for the festive season.”

Warren added: “We are committed to making the Aldwark Arms the beating heart of the village again and creating an award winning pub restaurant where residents can enjoy a quiet pint or two and where the local community can feel good and healthy.” At the same time, we want to be a popular restaurant, where Paul’s exceptional food and imaginative menus attract foodies from across Yorkshire.”

The inn is currently open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.