York hoteliers to reopen Ripon's Old Deanery hotel

Two York hoteliers have bought the Old Deanery hotel in Ripon and plan to reopen it with a focus on weddings and events later this year.

Rebecca Hill and Chris Layton, owners of the Galtres Lodge hotel and proprietors of Layton Hill Hotels, said they want the Grade II-listed building to be a “jewel in Ripon’s crown”.

The Old Deanery was forced to close for good earlier this year after months of lockdown. It features 11 bedrooms, gardens and several public areas, which are due to be restored ahead of its reopening.

Hill said: “We are beyond excited to take on the Old Deanery. It is such a beautiful property in the heart of a beautiful city, and we cannot wait to become a key part of the community. The welcome has already been incredible, and we are so grateful for the kind messages that we have received so far.”

She added that the team will take a “cautious approach” to reopening, starting primarily as a weddings and events venue from November and December before fully reopening in spring 2022. The team hope to organise smaller public events, such as open days and afternoon tea parties, to keep the Old Deanery as open to the public as possible.

General manager David Macdonald and consultant chef Stephanie Moon, both of whom helped develop Galtres Lodge, will be assisting with the redevelopment.

“Overall, we want the Old Deanery to be a jewel in Ripon’s crown and be 'the place' to celebrate weddings, birthdays and Christenings,” added Hill.

“We are currently in the process of planning some informal open days to meet everyone, as getting to know our local community is of vital importance to us.”