The Lime Tree Inn at Great Ouseburn is thriving again

The Lime Tree Inn in Great Ouseburn in the Vale of York earned top honours, including its second AA Rosette, a Michelin-Guide listing and an appearance on TV’s Four in a Bed when it was run by husband-and-wife team Rob and Heloisa Mitchell.

The Mitchells left last summer to enjoy more family-time, and the pub was closed until November when new management was found to run the Lime Tree, which was built in 2020.

However, a former manager did not work out and now the Lime Tree is run by head chef/ manager Jonathan Westwick and Assistant General Manager Adam Hodgkinson.

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Jonathan says the pub’s owner, Matthew Gath, who lives in the village between York and Boroughbridge, did not want the much-needed village hub on Branton Lane to close so he appointed them both to run it.

Jonathan, who is in his 40s, has a lifetime of experience in hospitality, with his last two workplaces being the Pipe & Glass at Beverley and the General Tarleton at Ferrensby, near Knaresborough.

(Image: Darren Greenwood)

Adam has worked at the Lime Tree for five years but previously worked in engineering and insurance in Whitby.

Jonathan says he knew of the good reputation of the Lime Tree and in devising his menus, he sought to reflect the pub and the beautiful building.

Jonathan Westwick and Adam Hodgkinson outside the Lime Tree (Image: Darren Greenwood)

He told the Press: “It’s a modern looking building with a lot of classicism, with the traditional pub feel.”

It means devising traditional pub menus with a modern twist.

Adam said: “Rob and Eloise gave more of a restaurant feel, we have brought it back to a country pub with good quality food.”

A tasty and extensive menu features familiar staples including pate, hock terrine, mushrooms, fish & chips, pies, burgers “something embracing new ideas and following seasonality” Jonathan explained.

Vegans and vegetarians are also catered for.

Sarah Hanman in a bedroom (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Jonathan says he loves cooking and creating and feels he is “getting paid to do a hobby.”

And enjoying what you do, gives you so much energy, he says.

Adam says he joined the Lime Tree after ‘a bit of boredom’ with other roles, recalling how he enjoyed working three years in a Sandsend restaurant when he was younger.

He told the Press he has always enjoyed hospitality and meeting people.

A bountiful breakfast (Image: Pic supplied)

The Lime Tree has seven rooms, which are cared for by housekeeper Sarah Hanman.

Some guests are regulars and have become family friends, with Adam saying one sends him birthday presents every year and keeps in regular contact.

Recent innovations include offering breakfasts on a Sunday, which are already available to the hotel guests.

And this summer, they plan to launch afternoon cream teas in the garden.

New summer menus have been created, including two-courses for £25 and three courses for £30 on Tuesday evening, Wednesday evening and Thursday lunchtime and evening.

It also means working with the village ‘Gods’- the Great Ouseburn Drinkers Society, who help the Lime Tree choose some of the beers.

At present three cask ales are offered, all local, in addition to keg ales, lagers and cider.

A special Sunday roast (Image: Pic supplied)

The Lime Tree, which also has Five Star Silver Hotel recognition, has 4.8 stars out of five on Google and 4.9 stars out of five on Tripadvisor.

Since Jonathan and Adam took over, earlier this year, business has been ‘picking up’, with the pair increasingly using social media to get the word out there.

Trade is also being boosted by much new housing nearby, with Adam saying lunch at the Lime Tree ‘sealed the deal’ for one homebuyer and now regular.

Adam Hodgkinson offers a warm welcome (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Jonathan said: “Because Rob and Eloise had the success before, it’s about taking this footpath and making our own impression.”

Adam said: “We still want people to feel like they are walking into the same place.”