Matt Gray Hospitality Triumphs with Award-Winning North Yorkshire Inns
Two of North Yorkshire’s most beloved independent pubs and inns, The Inn South Stainley and The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub, have added to their growing list of accolades with multiple industry awards, cementing their reputation as standout hospitality destinations in the region.
The Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards recently recognised both venues for their exceptional offerings:
The Drovers Arms won Outstanding Customer Service, a testament to the team’s dedication to delivering an exceptional guest experience.
The Inn South Stainley was awarded winner of Dog-Friendly Accommodation, highlighting its commitment to welcoming four-legged guests with thoughtful touches and warm hospitality.
Adding to their success, both venues have also been named OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award winners for the second year running, as voted for by customers.
Last summer, The Drovers Arms was further recognised as one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in the UK, with only two North Yorkshire venues making the prestigious list and the country pub has even more reason to celebrate after securing two finalist positions in the Visit York Tourism Awards 2025.
Not only has the beloved venue been shortlisted for ‘Pub of the Year’, sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd Accountants & Business Advisors, but it has also earned a finalist position for the ‘Taste of England’ award, sponsored by F.R. Fowler & Son - Burnholme Fisheries, following a recent mystery diner judging.
A Commitment to Excellence in Hospitality
Owned and operated by Yorkshire hospitality experts Graham Usher and Matthew Rose, both venues have gone from strength to strength. The pair acquired The Inn South Stainley during the pandemic in 2021, transforming it into a must-visit country pub with stylish accommodation, while The Drovers Arms has been a staple of the Skipwith community for over a decade.
A recent £150,000 refurbishment of The Drovers Arms in early 2024 has elevated the venue’s contemporary interiors, blending rustic charm with modern style to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Speaking about the latest accolades, Managing Director Graham Usher said:
"We are absolutely thrilled to have received these awards. Our team works incredibly hard to create a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest, and to see that recognised—both by industry experts and our customers—is hugely rewarding.
It’s our passion to bring exceptional food, service, and atmosphere to our guests, and we’re proud to be a go-to destination for both locals and visitors alike."
A Must-Visit Destination for Locals & Visitors
Conveniently located on the A61, The Inn South Stainley is just six miles from Harrogate, Knaresborough, and Ripon, making it an ideal spot for both locals and travellers. With 12 stylish bedrooms, a focus on high-quality dining, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers the perfect countryside escape.
Meanwhile, The Drovers Arms, nestled in the picturesque village of Skipwith, just ten miles south of York, continues to attract food lovers and countryside explorers looking for an outstanding pub experience.
For more information and to book, visit:
The Inn South Stainley – www.theinnsouthstainley.com or call 01423 779060
The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub – www.thedroversarmsskipwith.com or call 01757 288088
