THE Craven Heifer, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, has been popular with locals for two centuries, and next week sees a new era for the historic venue.

Award-winning Chef Matt Broadley is taking over the kitchen at the Addingham pub, serving up his own take on a traditional home-cooked menu.

While the Craven Heifer - the Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - remains village pub where locals, walkers and other visitors can enjoy a drink, its new restaurant Broadley's offers a wider choice when it comes to food. Matt is head chef and owner of Broadley's Bistro in Ilkley and the team from the bistro will be rotated with the Craven Heifer team, offering friendly service at both venues.

Seeds for the venture were sewn Philip and Karen Croft, co-owners of the Craven Heifer, were at a family celebration, pre-pandemic. “Matt told us about his plans for opening another restaurant when we celebrated Phil’s dad’s 80th at Broadley’s," said Karen. "This was before we bought the pub. Fast forward to a few months ago and when we did become owners we were keen to pick back up on that conversation. We're delighted to be working with Matt, and we love his food!”

The new food offering will complement the seven boutique-style guest bedrooms at the venue - each inspired by themes including the Brontes, Yorkshire cricket and David Hockney artwork - at the country pub, near the Bolton Abbey estate.

Philip and Karen bought the Craven Heifer in 2018 and in June this year they took over the daily running of the pub. Said Karen: "It’s been hectic since re-opening and there’s been a lot for us to learn in terms of running a pub for the first time and preparing the bedrooms, whilst still under Covid restrictions. But we thrive on a challenge and it’s been enormously satisfying. We’ve already hosted several wedding parties and it's been great seeing the community coming back to life.

"During lockdown we refurbished the Craven Heifer inside and out and part of that included adding plenty of outdoor seating to our south facing patio area."

Regulars are, say the couple, "delighted to see the Craven Heifer looking so good and open for business again".

"Addingham is a village known for its great variety of pubs so I think locals are pleased that most have now re-opened," they added. "We have also had lots of compliments about the high quality of our real ales - a credit to our cellarman, Richard Milner, who grew up at the pub when it was owned by his parents in the 1980s."

The pub dates back at least until the 1800s and retains original features and country pub charm. Now the opening of Broadley's opens a new chapter. Matt, who has been head chef at The Wheatley Arms and The Black Hat in Ilkley said: “The food will be what you'd expect on any good pub menu. One of the first dishes to go on was scampi. It also includes my personal favourites such as a good roast dinner and fish and chips."

For Karen and Phil, the best part of running a pub is "meeting people and helping them celebrate family occasions. And the fact that no two days are ever the same!"

* Broadley's at the Craven Heifer will open its doors on Wednesday July 28 with food served from 12-3pm and 5-9pm, Wednesday to Friday. Saturday all day and Sunday 12-5pm. Visit cravenheifer-addingham.co.uk or call (01943) 831548.