Bowcliffe Hall Custodian Jonathan Turner Buys Michelin-Starred Yorke Arms

Yorke arms

We are delighted to announce that Bowcliffe Hall CEO & Custodian, Jonathan Turner, has bought Michelin-starred The Yorke Arms and confirmed that renowned chef, Frances Atkins, will stay on at the Yorkshire restaurant.

One of only six Yorkshire Michelin-starred restaurants, The Yorke Arms is an 18th-century coaching inn which was once the site for a monastic cheesery, and was purchased by Frances Atkins and her husband Bill in 1996. Subsequently, Atkins won a Michelin star at the inn in 2003, an accolade she has retained ever since.

When The Yorke Arms initially went on the market, Atkins told the press that she planned to embark on ‘a new adventure’ following the sale. But, we’re thrilled that upon getting to know Jonathan and his vision for an incredible, sensitive refurbishment programme for the restaurant and rooms she has decided to stay on alongside her team – including general manager, John Tullett, head chef, Roger Olive and Kirsty Beverley who looks after housekeeping.

A seriously well-loved and highly regarded Yorkshire restaurant, both Jonathan and Frances share a desire to enhance everything about The Yorke Arms, intent on retaining all the charm that has kept loyal customers coming back for decades whilst elevating the restaurant and rooms. With Jonathan’s current portfolio including the remarkable Bowcliffe Hall and stunning Laudale Estate in Scotland, there is little doubt that any refurbishment will be something very special.

Frances, a fellow of the Masterchefs of Great Britain, commented:

“We were all set to embark for pastures new, but Jonathan’s deep-rooted love of Yorkshire, his style and panache are very infectious and it really struck a chord with me. He has a genuine enthusiasm to create something even more special here and we hit it off straight away. I am thrilled to be part of his new team as we set out to deliver new, exciting plans for The Yorke Arms.”

Jonathan Turner said:

“I have always admired the drive and talent of Frances who is respected for her culinary creativity and is a champion of local, seasonal produce. We share a collective passion to further enrich and enhance Yorkshire’s rich heritage and I’m looking forward to working closely with her and her talented team.”

Keep up to date with all the news from The Yorke Arms by following the restaurant on Twitter @TheYorkeArms