Knaresborough next as The Harrogate Inn officially relaunches

Eyes are now trained on Knaresborough for The Inn Collection Group this summer, after the Newcastle-based pub with rooms operator officially welcomed The Harrogate Inn back from refurbishment last Thursday, with a gala launch event.

Completed in just 152 days, the refurbishment has transformed the former St George Hotel into an opulent new pub, boasting two grand, new bars and a fully refurbished kitchen that is fast becoming one of Harrogate’s must-visit venues.

Welcoming a delegation of dignitaries from across North Yorkshire and the wider UK to the re-opened Ripon Road venue, the event allowed guests to sample first-hand the new-look Barking George bar and its delicious menu.

There was also the opportunity to see the latest additions to the site’s offering for stays, with the new look executive suites proving to be an exciting draw.

Four miles to the north east, anticipation is building as the former Dower House Hotel and Spa enters the final stages of its transformation to The Knaresborough Inn, with a similar, show-stopping new look in prospect.

The Bond End property was acquired by The Inn Collection Group back in December 2021 and closed for renovation in last summer, with the works set to create a brand-new pub for people to enjoy in the historic town.

The biggest area of change comes in the number of bedrooms, with The Inn Collection Group increasing the number at the venue from 38 to 57 by using the space previously occupied by the venue’s spa and leisure facilities.

In line with the company’s model of hospitality, The Knaresborough Inn will be open all, day every day, offering well-kept drinks, speciality teas and coffees and a wide-ranging menu covering everything from breakfast, lunch and dinner.

With a menu boasting a wide range of pub classics, house specialties and children’s sections, plenty of choice will let the new Inn cater for any palette.

Visitors to the venue will notice further changes on the exterior with a new portico entrance constructed, along with a new accessible ramp to improve access into the site.

There has been the replacement of roof coverings, repairs to brickwork, the creation of a footpath and improvements to parking as The Inn Collection Group have undertaken wide ranging repairs to the grade II listed building.

Whilst the scheme of works at the site have been extensive, they have been carefully carried out, respecting the building’s Grade II listed status, with parts of the site dating back to the 15^th century, when built by the Slingsby family.

After a rapturous reception for the new look sit in Harrogate, operations director for The Inn Collection Group Chris Moor is anticipating the same to be true when The Knaresborough Inn debuts.

He said: “We’re excited that The Harrogate Inn has been received so positively since reopening and we are looking forward to unveiling The Knaresborough Inn as our second North Yorkshire site to complete refurbishment in a few weeks.

“Creating a new-look for a much-loved venue has been a painstaking process as has the renovation programme, making sure we take great care of what in parts dates back to the 15^th century but we are confident that we have done what we set out to achieve.

“The Inn will breathe new life into the venue and retain it as a resource and vital hub for the local community as much as guests coming to stay.

“We will be announcing plans for our reopening celebrations very shortly and I look forward to seeing the doors back open before the end of the summer.”