Moulton Black Bull pub bought by Middleton Lodge Estate

The Black Bull pub in Moulton, North Yorkshire, near Scotch Corner, will have a new menu boasting local food when it reopens.

Middleton Lodge runs two restaurants, a forest spa, and offers overnight stays at its 200-acre site just a five-minute drive from the pub.

Owner James Allison said the decision to buy The Black Bull “felt right”.

He said: “The Black Bull feels like a natural fit for us. Its proximity to the estate makes this a logical next step and allows us to extend the hospitality we’re known for into a more informal, community-led setting.

James Allison, owner and managing director of Middleton Lodge Estate (Image: Middleton Lodge Estate)

“It’s a pub with a huge amount of history and one that is clearly loved, which made the decision feel right.

“Our focus is on thoughtful growth and building hospitality businesses that are sustainable for the long term, shaped by the people who work in them and the guests who use them, and that celebrate Yorkshire in a meaningful way.”

The Black Bull dates back to at least the 16th century, when it first operated as a village inn.

In 1963, Audrey and George Pagendam transformed the then one-room pub into a culinary hotspot, and The Black Bull appeared in the Good Food Guide for 38 consecutive years.

The pub will now close for a short time while refurbishment work is carried out.

Plans include new interiors and a menu of classic Yorkshire pub grub made with local produce. The bar will also offer a selection of local and craft ales.

The takeover is also expected to create new jobs.

A reopening date is yet to be announced.

Anthony Blundell from the pub’s former owner the Provenance Collection, said: “The Black Bull has been an important part of Moulton for many years, and we are proud of the investment and care that went into restoring the pub during our time as custodians.

“After being approached by James Allison, we are pleased to be passing it on to Middleton Lodge Estate, whose approach to hospitality and long-term stewardship makes them a fitting owner for the next chapter of The Black Bull’s story.

“We are also pleased that the existing team will remain in place, ensuring continuity for both staff and the local community.”