New owners reveal their plans for the Ganton Greyhound Inn

Stephen Bradford and Dale Simpson took over the Ganton Greyhound Inn last month, replacing Steve and Sharon Padfield, who had ran it since 2019.

The pub, with its restaurant and guest house had been on the market since last autumn for £895,000.

Stephen was born in Middlesborough and raised in Redcar. He initially worked as a carpenter/ joiner in Middlesborough before travelling the world and on to New Zealand, aged 21, where he worked in hospitality.

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He spent 10 years working bars, pubs, restaurants and then hotels. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to management.

Stephen returned to the UK in 2015, where he managed hotels and renovated properties, before launching a hospitality development company in 2018.

On his first project, a guest house in Llandudno, Wales, he met his wife Helen.

After making a success of this project, he sought another project and began talking to a childhood friend he used to have business ideas with 25 years ago, leading to a new partnership.

Helen, Stephen, Dale and Jodi outside the pub (Image: Pic supplied)

Dale grew up in Skelton, Cleveland, attending school in Saltburn, where he met his partner Jodi and raised their three children there.

After 25 years in the army, Dale was ready for a new mission, leading him to partner with his close friend Stephen.

Dale said: “’Throughout my military service, I’ve learned that success relies entirely on two things: meticulous attention to detail and taking care of the people around you.  Today, my co-owner and I are applying those exact principles to hospitality.

“Whether you are stopping by our restaurant for a hearty, locally sourced meal, staying in one of our 15 beautiful rooms, or relaxing in the bar after a round at Ganton Golf Club or quenching your thirst after watching the Ganton Cricket team, our goal is to provide a seamless, welcoming, “home-from-home” experience.

“I look forward to greeting you at the bar and ensuring your stay in North Yorkshire is nothing short of exceptional!’

The pair say they were attracted to the pub as it was a landmark, freehold 18th Century property, which gives them the freedom to run the business how they like.

It is free of brewery ties, allowing them to source the Yorkshire ales, spirits and wines from whichever independent suppliers they choose.

The prime location by the A64 gives “an incredible volume of passing trade.”

The pair also note the pub is right next to the top-class Ganton Golf Course, making it the perfect 19th hole. The area is a haven for walkers and tourists.

The pub itself is an iconic historic coaching inn, widely celebrated for its cosy, traditional atmosphere, complete with complete with open log fires, exposed beams, and a sprawling beer garden for the summer months. 

It also delivers three revenue streams from its bar lounge, home-cooked food and 15 en-suite guest letting rooms.

Dale and Stephen say business has been fantastic since they took over, with them receiving a warm welcome from locals and passing travellers.

Dale said: “Taking over from the previous long-term custodians, meant we stepped into an already running business with a very healthy book of forward reservations already stretching into the year.”

They plan to extend the opening hours, including opening on Sundays, which the previous owners did not. Sunday service will include Sunday roast.

The pair are refreshing the menu, with a focus on freshly-prepared local produce, classic pub favourites with a modern culinary twist.

There will be some updates to the bar area and some bedrooms, whilst maintaining the pub’s character.

Dale added: “Stephen and I would like to thank everyone that has supported us so far, our family and friends and the locals that are most welcome back to their local The Ganton Greyhound. Special Thanks to our parents who continue to support us, without their input this would never be possible.”

Have you been to the Ganton Greyhound Inn? What did you think? Share your memories in the comments below.