Yorkshire and the North East

Golden Lion

Ripon, North Yorkshire

There is no shortage of pubs in the North Yorkshire market town of Ripon, so turning a struggling business around in the face of fierce competition has proved a triumph for go-ahead licensees Neil and Sarah Wright.

The couple arrived at the Golden Lion in 2004 after running a managed pub in the town for the previous three years and therefore knew exactly what sort of pub Ripon was lacking. This led Neil and Sarah to steer the Golden Lion towards offering warm hospitality and a welcome to local clubs and groups for their meetings and events.

Hard work rewarded

Sarah comments: "We took on the pub because we knew it could become a real focal point for local people and local groups. The potential was there and all it needed was a kick start to return it to past glories."

Two years' hard work has certainly paid off: locals have returned, darts and pool teams have been established and countless clubs and groups use the pub as a base camp.

New offerings

The facilities offered by the pub have also been improved. A refurbished function room and newly-extended dining room provide extra trading opportunities.

Now, the New Century Inns-owned pub is a far cry from the business inherited by the Wrights. "We have extended the range of cask beers, put the accent on home-cooked food and made a wide cross-section of customers welcome," says Sarah

The pub has its own charity committee that organises regular fundraising events. Dominoes, darts and pool teams have returned to the pub and now play in local leagues. Two Golden Lion soccer teams have also been formed.

A hub for clubs

Sarah remarks: "It's a real hub of activity here now, and a meeting place for countless local clubs and groups. We feel proud we have been able to revive some real community spirit in the town."