AN historic inn in one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque villages has reopened with bookings stretching into 2022.

Formerly the Inn at Hawnby near Helmsley, the Owl has been transformed into a country pub and restaurant with rooms in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

As The Press reported last year, the pub underwent a £650,000 refurb.

The long-term leasehold of the Owl, which remains an integral part of the Hawnby Estate, has been bought by the flourishing Coastal and Country Inns Group.

“Trade has been absolutely amazing since we reopened on April 12,” said Chris Hannon, managing director of Coastal and Country Inns. It has been non-stop - and bookings are essential. We have been completely astonished and humbled by the response.

“The lockdown enabled us to complete the £650,000 refurbishment which has transformed the 19th century Owl into one of the finest restaurants with rooms in Yorkshire.

"It has been frustrating not to be able to show everyone what we’ve done, but now everyone is getting a good look, even though we are only operating outside.

“We have been fully booked each day and our brand-new Shepherd’s Hut, which serves seven different pizzas and a special every day, has been going down a storm. Repeat bookings are coming in, day after day, with tremendous feedback, which is incredibly reassuring."

Numerous shooting parties are now booked in from September 2021 until February 2022, but there are still a few spaces available. Swift booking is recommended.

Jamie Savile, who runs the estate, said: “The hill-top village of Hawnby has really missed having a thriving country inn. The Owl is now looking magnificent and it is really putting our picturesque village on the map again.

“We are absolutely delighted that the Owl is now managed by an accomplished company such as Country and Coastal Inns. They have a tremendous track record, with a number of other successful rural inns across the UK, and they share our enthusiasm and desire to build a sustainable and successful business.

“We believe the Owl is now a destination pub and restaurant with rooms, becoming the beating heart of the village again, as well as a welcome oasis for hikers, tourists to the National Park and lovers of good food and drink.”