The Exelby Green Dragon has been crowned as Yorkshire Regional Pub of The Year in the Countryside Alliance’s Rural Business Awards.
The awards, dubbed the ‘rural Oscars’, aim to celebrate rural businesses which go the extra mile and support their local economy.
Peter Simpson, chairman of the Exelby Green Dragon Community Pub Ltd, said the award was a “significant achievement” for the pub’.
He added: “We have come a long way in a short time.
“We completed a successful community purchase in 2018 and since then have undertaken a major renovation programme to bring the pub and adjoining cottage up to date.
“This is testament to financial support from mainly local people to buy the pub and a lot of hard work on the part of local contractors and volunteers to do the renovations and tend the gardens.
“With Tom and Becci Baker as the tenants we have created a vibrant pub and community hub which has put the heart back in the village and created a destination worth visiting.”
The £400,000 pot to purchase and complete renovations has been supported by £250,000 of investment by community shareholders and other grants and loan funding from the Plunkett Foundation, Hambleton District Council, Pub is the Hub and National Lottery.
“It’s great to be part of this,” said Tom and Becci.
“We have been in from the start and built up our business with an excellent food and drink offer and quality bed and breakfast rooms.
“The last year has been difficult but we are always trying new things and our new beer and community garden is the latest project.
“This has been really timely with outdoor trading space being at a premium with the Covid situation and a great back drop for our forthcoming beer festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend.”
The judges said: “The Exelby Green Dragon has come a long way since it was bought by the community in 2018.
“It offers a diverse array of services to match the diversity of the rural North Yorkshire community it serves.”
The pub now goes forward to the national awards.
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