Traditional Dales hostelry The Tennants Arms Hotel is being transformed with a fresh lease of life as a new management team brings prestigious international career experience to the table.
Chef proprietor Tom Garland-Jones has worked in the hospitality industry for 11 years, turning restaurants and gastro pubs into successful enterprises, working at Michelin-starred establishments and heading a team of 200 chefs United States. His plan is to take The Tennants Arms Hotel to a new level, making it the flagship for a fledgling boutique hotel group with other properties under consideration in Yorkshire and Lancashire.
He explains “What attracted me to The Tennants Arms was it’s former reputation as a lively hub in the dales. Somewhere along the way, it had lost that prominence, so my aim is to revive that kudos, building a new reputation for excellent, home-cooked food and friendly, experiential hospitality”.
A sympathetic refurbishment program with no shortcuts is well underway to restore original character and marry the historic heart of the inn with luxurious contemporary fittings. Already attracting repeat bookings, since re-opening in April the culinary offering has received high praise from both hotel guests and local residents.
The latest recruit employed to bring new zest to the enterprise is Liz Smailes. Grand-daughter of Frank Smailes, Yorkshire and England cricketer and former tenant of The Sportsman’s Arms in Wath, Liz is returning to her roots after a decade working in Thailand and the Maldives for luxury resorts.
A self-confessed ‘engagement engineer’, as General Manager at The Tennants, her intention is to raise the bar and turn the hotel into a destination in its own right for exploring the dales. She explains:“On the main thoroughfare from north to south through Upper Wharfedale, The Tennants has been a wayside stop-off for centuries, but we believe its stunning location and everything about the place actually makes it a perfect base for staying put here to explore several dales and get hands-on with our unique environment.”
Liz is working with other local partners to create tailored experiences for guests to enjoy while discovering the Dales from Kilnsey. She adds:“There are so many opportunities for collaboration and we’re thrilled at the enthusiasm other businesses and inspiring individuals are showing in their willingness to work with us to champion this fantastic area.”
Open 7 days a week, serving gastro food 12-8.30pm, The Tennants Arms offers 10 en-suite guest rooms, two private function rooms, bar, lounge and beer garden perfect for watching the intrepid climbers on the world-renowned Kilnsey Crag.