The Appletree Country Inn at Marton reopens on Friday

The AppleTree Country Inn at Marton, near Pickering, has been lovingly restored and plans to offer dining “at the higher end of gastropub, breaching into fine dining.”

The venue is owned by Matt Stanley, 28, who has worked in a range of hospitality roles, including wine waiting, cheffing and management, with roles in Ripon, Malton and across North Yorkshire.

Matt says he discovered the property by accident whilst out walking the dog one day.

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Head chef Connor Anderson and owner Matt Stanley (Image: Pic supplied)

He told the Press: “It was a shame to see it rotting away.”

“It was run down. I was about to close a deal on another property but that deal fell through. I looked through the window. It was like the Mary Celeste.”

“It took six weeks to trace the owner to Guernsey but we got the sale through quickly.”

Some of the elegant food that will be available. (Image: Pic supplied)

Matt picked up the keys on April 16 and started work on restoring the pub on May 13, 13 years to the day since it closed.

He explained: “I want to change how hospitality works. I want to celebrate hospitality, showcase what our team can do.”

To help with the task, he has enlisted Connor Anderson as head chef and Nathan Joseph as bar manager.

Head chef Connor Anderson (Image: Pic supplied)

Connor has worked with Tom Kerridge at The Coach in Marlow.

Matt said: “Our visions aligned”

Nathan has worked in cocktail bars in city venues.

The inn has a semi-open kitchen and aims to offer food at the “higher end of gastropub, breaching into fine dining.”

Owner Matt Stanley (Image: Pic supplied)

Matt said: “We will be guest budget conscious but providing the best service we possibly can.”

The Appletree County Inn will have a sustainability promise, aiming to source everything within 25 miles.

It will feature a wine list of 70 bottles, all available by the glass.

The food will be “at the higher end of gastropub, breaching into fine dining.” (Image: Pic supplied)

There are no rooms yet, but there may be in future.

For now, Matt is busy preparing for an official launch party on Friday, featuring a black tie evening with drinks reception and canapes.

He added: “Saturday will see us close the doors to the public to celebrate with friends, family, press and a good group of people who have worked incredibly hard on the refurbishment!”

“Sunday we will be open as usual from 1200-1600 and are thrilled to report that we are now fully booked for this service!”

The normal operating hours will be Mondays 5-10pm (bar only); Tuesdays closed, Wednesdays to Saturdays 12-3pm and 5-11pm; Sunday 12-4pm. However, the pub is closed this Bank Holiday Monday.