Skipton ‘Landmark pub’ to become pub with garden centre

Mr Tapsell, owner of Tapsell and West Carpets in Broughton Road, and the former owner of the Old Fire Station in

Skipton, said he was excited about the future of the Craven Heifer and aimed to reopen it around the end of the

month, around the same time as Kilnsey Show.

Bloom at the Craven Heifer is expected to sell indoor and outdoor plants, including fruit trees and vegetable plants

as well as garden accessories, furniture and fire pits. There will also be a gift emporium selling cards, bath and

beauty products, and books for the whole family.

The pub has been closed since July last year, and after repeated break-ins, was surrounded with security fencing and CCTV cameras.

In July, two men pleaded guilty at Skipton Magistrates Court to burglary with intent to steal at the pub in May.

It has not been disclosed how much the pub, which includes 19 letting bedrooms, bars, dining areas and large car

park was sold for, but when it went on the market in November last year, the asking price was £795,000.

Alastair McDowell of selling agents Ilkley-based Atkinson Associates, said there had been a lot of interest from

potential buyers. “Notwithstanding the need for significant investment and the difficulties being experienced in the

hospitality industry the sale of the Craven Heifer generated significant interest including from a number of national

operators, reflecting the quality of the site and opportunity presented,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Tarn Moor Trustees, said: “Ever since the Tarn Moor charity was first set up, the trustees

have always viewed the Craven Heifer pub as a special part of their estate, and have been proud to see it as a local

landmark and a popular venue for local people and visitors alike.

“We welcome the news that the sale has now been completed to the Tapsells, so that their new business, sympathetic

to this site, can be opened. We pass on all our good wishes to the new owners, hoping that their business will thrive

in the premises, and we look forward to seeing them develop this business alongside the neighbouring green burial

ground, which remains in Tarn Moor’s ownership.”

Skipton Town Council as custodian trustees for the Tarn Moor Trust, approved the sale of the pub at its full meeting

on July 18.

The decision was taken in a private session, but a report to councillors said the council could support the trust in the

proposed sale, or reject it and obstruct the sale.

Councillors agreed stopping the sale would mean the Tarn Moor Trust incurring ‘considerably more expense over the

property’.

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