Last Drop Inn in York bought by White Wells Pub Company

Paul Kemp has sold the Last Drop Inn to the Ilkley-based White Wells pub company.

As previously reported, Paul acquired the Last Drop Inn from the Black Sheep Brewery after it entered administration in 2023 and transformed the venue into a much-loved, award-winning success.

However, earlier this year, the 51-year-old announced plans to sell the pub mainly for health reasons and to seek a new ‘adventure’ whilst he was young.

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White Wells Pub company was formed earlier this year and bar at 20 and spent the last 15 years in brewingis made up of Ian Fozard of Harrogate-based Roosters Brewery; Paul Betts of Roosters Brewery and the Ilkley Brewing Company, Graham Smith and Luke Raven.

Luke says White Wells was formed out of a love for pubs, to see them thrive, not just survive. The company seeks ‘pubs with purpose’, aiming to put quality first, be it beer or service.

Luke has worked in hospitality since he was 15, starting out as a pub bottlewasher. He opened his first bar at 10 and then spent 15 years at the Ilkley Brewery, rising to becoming its managing director until recently. He also co-owns The Ilkley Tap, which opened in 2024.

Luke Raven of the White Wells Pub Company getting the keys from Paul Kemp (Image: Darren Greenwood)

He left the brewery to set up the White Wells Pub Company, which aims to have an estate of ten pubs in the next couple of years.

Luke told the Press: “This won’t be a chain, with one-size-fits-all branding or approach – each site we find will be unique and will have its own identity.”

Luke says the Last Drop Inn is ‘fantastic’ noting Paul Kemp “transformed it from a tired and unloved pub into a cask beer haven.”

He continued: “When we found out it might be available, we didn’t hesitate. Just before the sale went through, the Last Drop was awarded City Pub of the Year by York CAMRA, and so we see ourselves as proud custodians more than anything else.”

Already, Luke says the basics are in place, with loyal regulars, who will be sought their views.

The number of handpull cask lines will be increased from 8 to ten, ensuring there is alcohol free beer, and expanding the local craft beers, with an emphasis on Yorkshire.

Luke continued: “We’re planning a little facelift at the beginning of September, to freshen up the place and also to increase the seating options. York is such a vibrant city, and Colliergate always bustling and busy, but our little pub is easy to miss, so we want to add some subtle touches that draw people in. We are also looking to utilise additional space in the upstairs rooms.”

The venue continues with its cask club, its Wednesday pub quiz, pies from from the Sambles Pie & Sausage company, and is planning to relaunch live music very soon. There is also a Last Drop loyalty card, plus a locally-brewed Last Drop Lager and Blonde

All the former staff were kept on and the only new member is a returning staff member Nat, who was recommended by Paul Kemp and is back as manager.

Luke added his company has offers for a number of pubs across Yorkshire and having “fallen in love” with York, could acquire a second venue in the city.

He added on Thursday September 10, the Last Drop will celebrate its mini-refit  and “would love to welcome faces new and old for a drink that evening.”