The Wild Swan at Minskip, near Boroughbridge, has won the competitive Small Leisure, Retail and Hospitality Business category in the Harrogate Advertiser Excellence in Business Awards.
The prestigious awards, which celebrate the very best businesses in the region, were held at a glittering ceremony at the Pavilions of Harrogate.
Altogether 15 awards were handed out at the ceremony, which was hosted by former ITV Calendar presenter Duncan Wood.
The flourishing inn, just 30 seconds away from Junction 48 of the A1(M) has just opened a newly renovated beer garden, which is situated in a secluded area at the back. The picturesque garden can cater for up to 36 drinkers and diners, on top of the 60 covers in the main premises.
Alex Bond, the co-owner of the Wild Swan with business partner Stephen Lennox, commented: “Winning this Harrogate Excellence In Business Award is a fantastic achievement for our pub. It is an extra string to our bow and underlines the huge amount of work undertaken by our magnificent staff. It is so rewarding to have the Wild Swan recognised in this way by such a distinguished panel of judges in a very competitive category.
“We will continue to provide a tremendous eating and drinking experience for all our customers and will strive to excel in all areas of hospitality, making sure that we build on our reputation as one of Yorkshire’s very best food pubs. Hopefully, we will pick up a few more awards like this along the way.”
Sue Kramer, president of the Harrogate and District Chamber of Commerce and one of the judges, said: “The Wild Swan was an extremely worthy winner of a very competitive and very tough category. We were all so impressed by the Wild Swan’s very personal and thorough entry.
“What stood out was their commitment to their staff, to their local suppliers, to their customers and to their community. That struck a chord with us all. In particular, their support of their church in Minskip was an example of going the extra mile for their village. Overall, the pride the owners of the Wild Swan showed in every aspect of their business operation meant this splendid pub deserved to win this prestigious award.”
Alex Bond added: “This award comes on the back of an excellent start to the year for us. Despite the on-going cost-of-living crisis, which has impacted heavily on the hospitality sector, we have been consistently busy. We are especially pleased by the number of people who are returning and who are making the Wild Swan their favourite inn and restaurant in the area.”
Meanwhile the Wild Swan’s much-loved wood-fired pizzas have returned on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays each week and a new summer menu, together with an exciting new range of summer cocktails, including sharing cocktails and jugs of sangria, have been introduced.
For further information, including menus and prices for corporate and private parties, please ring The Wild Swan on 01423 326334 or visit www.wildswan.pub
