Ryedale pub's recipe for success (From Gazette & Herald)

Ryedale pub's recipe for success

THE awards are coming in thick and fast for a Ryedale pub this year.

Melanie Thornton and TJ Drew started at the Appletree Inn, Marton, near Pickering, less than two years ago.

After winning the title of National Customer Service Of The Year Pub at the Publican Awards earlier this year, the pair thought they had done as well as they could.

But now they have earned two more awards - one from Yorkshire Life magazine and the other from Les Routiers.

Yorkshire Life named the Appletree Inn as its York & North Yorkshire Dining Pub Of The Year.

Commenting on the Yorkshire Life award, Melanie said: "We could not believe it, we were so surprised.

"Then, when we heard about the Les Routiers title it was sheer astonishment, getting two awards like that in a fortnight.

"It's just really nice to get some recognition for what we do, and for what the staff do as well."

The licensee said everyone at the pub had a chance to bask in the glory.

"We all went out to dinner after we got the Yorkshire Life award, but we haven't had time to celebrate the other one yet," she said.

Potential visitors to the multiple award-winning pub will be able to sample it on a website in the comfort of their own homes - thanks to an innovative sideline.

"We grow a lot of our own fruit and vegetables and herbs, and we make our own jam and chutney as well," said Melanie.

"People can buy it in jars and take a little bit of the Appletree home with them."

Updated: 09:48 Wednesday, October 23, 2002