Richard and Lindsey Johns return to North Yorkshire to open the Plough
Award-winning restaurateurs Richard and Lindsey Johns are to return to the North Yorkshire hospitality scene after acquiring the Plough in Wombleton.
The 15th century pub is just four miles from the Hovingham Inn, which the couple opened in 2019. They exited their lease in 2022 after facing a drastic rent increase, with Richard telling The Caterer staffing issues and mounting costs had left them "firefighting on a daily basis".
Despite these challenges, the Hovingham Inn had achieved acclaim, including listings in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland as well as inclusion in The Times newspaper's '30 best places for a perfect pub lunch'.
When they closed the doors to the Hovingham Inn the Johns said they were "absolutely shattered, mentally and physically". They took a year away from hospitality and have acknowledged a reticence to return due to the challenging conditions faced by the wider industry.
"We are very conscious of the difficulties the hospitality trade continues to suffer, but this is what we do," the Johns said.
"After all we have gone through, especially over the last ten years, with setting up three previous ventures, learning to pivot in business is essential. It's understanding about long term viability. Knowing your customer base. Something we hope to carry forward at the Plough".
The couple added: "Our plans for the Plough are simple. Start from where we left off in Hovingham with a continued quest for improvement."
The Plough's a la carte food offering will add a new spin to classic dishes and showcase the best seasonal produce.
Richard explained: "It's all about trying to make a delicious plate of food that you really want to eat. That is what we will continue to strive towards".
The a la carte menu will evolve seasonally, with Lindsey building a "considered and balanced" wine list including "little-known" labels and English sparkling wines.
The couple added: "In addition to the food and wine, we intend to keep the bar just as it is. The Plough has historically enjoyed a strong wet side and long may that continue. Expect a selection of lovely hand pulled beers, some being very local from nearby Helmsley Brewery, whom we have worked with previously.
"It is very important to us that folks feel they can nip in for a pint or two and feel no pressure to eat from the menu. Or worst still, feel they should not be allowed in. That is not what we are about. A pub, even if it does provide a decent restaurant food offering, should ultimately be a happy and relaxing place to enjoy a drink or light snack."
Before the Hovingham Inn the Johns had co-owned Rascills restaurant in Raskelf, York, and Artisan restaurant in Hessle, East Yorkshire. They hope to open the doors of the Plough at the end of September.
