After undergoing a seven month renovation at a cost of £500,000, The Hovingham Inn, formerly known as The Malt Shovel opened in the summer of 2019. Located in the tranquil North Yorkshire village of Hovingham where the Duchess of Kent was born, the lovely stone built 18th century building lies within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 17 miles North of the City of York.

The Yorkshire hostelry has been taken over by a very accomplished husband and wife team, Richard and Lindsay Johns. They originally shot to fame with their highly regarded 16-cover Artisan in Hessle, where during their nine year tenancy the restaurant was awarded some serious accolades including the Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year North East Of England 2011. They then went on to run the popular Withernick's Falcon Inn and more recently Rascills restaurant in Raskelf.

Inside The Hovingham Inn the interiors have been lovingly restored in keeping with the building and the vibe is cosy, relaxed and very welcoming. Although the focus is on Richard's excellent cooking, there's plenty of comfy spaces for a leisurely drink and the new bar area has the added advantage of being dog-friendly, as well as serving tasty snacks. Whether you are there for dining or have just popped in for a drink, Lindsay is the perfect host, ensuring you are well looked after and a friendly atmosphere prevails.

In the kitchen Richard makes the most of the natural larder and amongst the starters you might see Asian style shredded duck confit salad, melon, pomegranate and hoisin dressing or from the sea homemade smoked haddock fishcake, pea puree and lemon oil. When it comes to the main event there's slow roast free range pork fillet, warm sausage roll, creamed cabbage and bacon, black pudding bon bons and apple puree or fillet of sea bream, pea risotto and lemon oil. To finish enjoy a classic vanilla crème brûlée or maybe the Belgian chocolate slice, raspberry sorbet and white chocolate crumb.

Three en-suite bedrooms will be shortly available should you wish to extend your stay and explore all the many attractions the area has to offer.

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Gastro pub / British

Richard Johns

Lunch: 12.00 - 1.30pm Wed-Fri (12.30 - 3.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 8.30pm Wed-Sat

Visa, Master Card

• Family Friendly

Accomodation is available, (3 rooms)