Famous Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks has unveiled his newest venture, The General Tarleton, a reimagined 18th-century coaching inn located in Ferrensby, North Yorkshire. Scheduled to officially open its doors on 29 August 2025, the launch marks the debut project under Banks’ new hospitality group, Jeopardy Hospitality.
This carefully restored pub with rooms combines classic British charm with modern luxury, offering premium guest experiences that cater to both locals and discerning travelers. With eight guest rooms, an expansive bar, private dining area, and beer garden, The General Tarleton sits just minutes from Harrogate and Knaresborough—prime destinations for Yorkshire-bound tourists.
Historic Coaching Inn Gets New Life
Originally dating back to the 1700s, The General Tarleton has long been a familiar name in North Yorkshire’s hospitality scene. Its recent transformation has been both faithful to the inn’s architectural character and ambitious in enhancing guest appeal. The new interiors reflect a blend of rustic authenticity and modern comfort, staying true to the spirit of the region while raising the bar for rural luxury.
The renovation—guided by Tommy Banks’ team—aimed to preserve the historical essence of the coaching inn, while integrating contemporary touches that make it relevant in today’s high-end hospitality market. According to Historic England, the building’s heritage significance contributes to local identity, making its preservation and enhancement an important part of regional tourism development.
Jeopardy Hospitality: A New Vision for UK Hospitality
Jeopardy Hospitality, the brainchild of Tommy Banks alongside Matthew Lockwood, James Banks, and Neil Armstrong, represents a bold step into the future of British hospitality. The group’s vision is to create a collection of distinctive properties where top-tier cuisine, welcoming service, and comfortable lodging go hand in hand.
“We want to create places that feel as good to work in as they do to visit,” said Banks in a recent interview. “It’s about combining brilliant food with warm, genuine hospitality. The General Tarleton is the beginning of that journey.”
This new approach aligns with recent VisitBritain tourism data, which shows a growing appetite among both domestic and international visitors for immersive culinary experiences, especially in rural and heritage-rich regions like Yorkshire.
A Star-Studded Team Behind the Launch
To ensure exceptional service from the outset, Jeopardy Hospitality has assembled an experienced leadership team. General Manager Sam Orbaum, a Yorkshire native and former Head of People at the Woodhead Restaurant Group, brings deep knowledge of guest service and operations.
Heading up the kitchen is Executive Chef Aled Williams, whose impressive culinary résumé includes time at TRUEfoods and Michelin-starred Northcote. A previous competitor on BBC’s Great British Menu, Williams is also a recipient of the Gordon Ramsay Scholarship.
Menu Highlights: British Pub Classics, Elevated
The General Tarleton’s menu will spotlight refined versions of classic pub fare, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and infused with creativity. Signature dishes include:
- Steak and Guinness Pie – served with baked potato mash, Savoy cabbage, and a rich gravy
- GT Burger – featuring Dexter beef from Banks’ own farm, Red Sparkenhoe cheese, and house-made pickles
- Sunday Roasts and seasonal specials will rotate throughout the year, highlighting Yorkshire’s agricultural bounty
Drinks-wise, guests can expect an expertly curated wine list and a range of local ales and spirits, many of which are produced in the surrounding countryside.
Boutique Lodging in the Yorkshire Countryside
The inn’s eight newly renovated guest rooms offer modern luxury with countryside charm. Each room features plush bedding, stylish interiors, and a nod to the property’s coaching-inn heritage. With sweeping views of the surrounding fields and easy access to Harrogate, the location makes for an ideal weekend escape.
The lodging experience complements VisitEngland’s national push for rural tourism, emphasizing boutique stays and heritage-led experiences.
Part of the Tommy Banks Culinary Legacy
The General Tarleton joins a prestigious group of venues under the wider Tommy Banks Group umbrella. This includes The Black Swan at Oldstead (Michelin-starred), Roots York, The Abbey Inn at Byland, and the at-home dining brand, Made In Oldstead.
This portfolio expansion reinforces Banks’ influence as one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, and underlines the group’s ambition to reshape rural British hospitality with quality, creativity, and a sense of place.
The Road Ahead for Jeopardy Hospitality
Looking beyond The General Tarleton, Jeopardy Hospitality plans to grow its footprint across the UK, focusing on properties that blend food excellence, community value, and memorable guest experiences. The group’s name, “Jeopardy,” nods to the risk inherent in innovation—something Banks embraces as he continues to reimagine British culinary traditions.
As Ferrensby prepares to welcome a new era of tourism and dining, The General Tarleton stands as both a return to roots and a leap forward. Whether you’re stopping in for a pint, a Sunday roast, or a relaxing weekend, Tommy Banks’ latest venture promises to deliver something truly special.
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