Leading chefs have spoken of the importance of North Yorkshire’s hotels and restaurants in helping to boost the county’s £1.5 billion a year visitor economy.
With the Good Food Guide having declared Helmsley and the Howardian Hills, between the Yorkshire Wolds, the North York Moors National Park, and the Vale of York, as the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ for 2024.
The owner of the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome, Andrew Pern, said: “Having so many exceptional pubs, restaurants and all-round eateries in our area is great for our local economy.
“One Michelin-starred restaurant might be worth a day out, but three is worthy of a few nights away, with time to visit attractions such as Castle Howard or Rievaulx Abbey, for example.
“Visitors from outside the area bring in money that allows us to employ people from the area, support suppliers and use local tradespeople in this lovely part of the world.”
Tommy Banks, who runs the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead, Abbey Inn at Byland and Roots in York, accepted the award along with Howardian Hills National Landscape manager, Ellie Hook.
He said: “I have always been very proud that people come from all over the world to visit our beautiful pocket of North Yorkshire.
“In recent times the food scene has really evolved and now you are spoilt for choice for great award-winning pubs and restaurants in the area.”
The hospitality sector is seen as a key element of a new plan that is being drawn up to entice more visitors to the county. North Yorkshire Council’s Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman said restaurants and the businesses they supported were crucial in growing the county’s economy.
“When people eat at any of our restaurants and cafes they are not only supporting that location, but a wide range of other businesses across North Yorkshire as well, thereby securing jobs and ensuring future investment,” he said.
