Whitby lifesavers launch The Stables back into service

Members of the Whitby RNLI crew declared The Inn Collection Group’s latest refurbishment officially open last Friday morning (May 12), as the Newcastle-based company welcomed The Stables back to trading.

Ally Brisby, Leah Hunter, Ali Hussain and Luke Pentith were joined by members of the Inn’s team and performers from The Bread and Butter Theatre Company, as the ceremonial ribbon was cut by Brisby and general manager Laura Wilson to conclude the first phase of renovations.

Upholding a tradition of saving lives at sea that dates back more than 200 years in the coastal community, the volunteers were the perfect match to welcome another of the town’s well-established institutions back into service.

As a thank you for their attendance, a donation of £1,000 was made to the Whitby crew, whilst a pair of limited-edition cocktails currently on The Stables menu will see £1 from every sale gifted to support the local station.

The first phase of a multimillion-pound refurbishment has seen extensive works carried out to the bar areas of the Cross Butts venue, enhancing their offering to customers as they enjoy expansive views out over the North York Moors.

Bought by the rapidly growing hospitality operator in late 2020, the first phase of development has seen the original bar nearest the main entrance replaced with a new installation, creating a near three-fold increase in the service area.

There has also been significant investment into the Inn’s kitchen facilities, including the building of an extension that has allowed the space to be reconfigured and provide a better flow for the chefs working to create delicious meals from The Stables’ menu of pub grub classics.

For groups needing a more intimate setting whilst still embracing the conviviality of a traditional pub, a private dining area has also been created, offering further flexibility to the Inn’s hosting capabilities.

Whilst phase two of the project continues with the construction of a 30-bedroom extension and refurbishment of the Sun Terrace that sits adjacent to the garden rooms, the works completed so far have given The Stables a brand-new look whilst retaining its individual character and charm.

Celebrations for the opening also saw music provided by singing harpist Sophia Penn-Critten and an array of garden games supplied by Yorkshire Gameshire.

Open all day, every day, The Stables is one of 31 sites owned and operated by The Inn Collection Group, which enjoys a growing presence in North Yorkshire.

Alongside their Whitby venue, the group are also the operator of The Black Swan in Helmsley, Dean Court in York and soon-to-re-open properties in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

Staying true to its pub roots, The Inn Collection Group aims to offer exceptional service, value and quality.

Frequently changing menus that include seasonal dishes and pub classics made with fresh food from local suppliers are joined by local ales, speciality gins, artisan coffees and the widest range of spirits, soft drinks and everything in between.

Operations manager Nicola Fortune said: “We’re very happy to unveil the first phase of the new look of The Stables and are pleased to see people already coming along and enjoying the Inn.

“The works have enhanced the offering whilst making sure that the place retains the character which is so loved by the people of Whitby and visitors from further afield.

“With The Stables so well regarded by the local community, we felt that recognising another of the town’s institutions was an important part of our reopening day and were thrilled that Ally [Brisby], Leah [Hunter], Ali [Hussain] and Luke [Pentith] were able to join us.

“We’re now looking forward to a busy summer and to unveiling the additional bedrooms at The Stables later in the autumn.”