The Owl appoints new head chef

The Owl Hawnby, a historic drover’s inn in North Yorkshire, has appointed Will Rough as its new head chef following its inclusion in the 2025 Good Food Guide’s Top 100 pubs in the UK.

Will, who previously worked at the acclaimed Skosh in York and the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome, takes over from Sam Varley, who now leads Brancusi in York, though Sam will remain involved with The Owl through its partnership with Mexborough Estates.

Will, who joined The Owl to work under Sam in April 2024, said: “I am extremely proud to be taking up this prestigious position and following in Sam’s amazing footsteps.

“Thanks to Sam, The Owl has established a stellar reputation not just in Yorkshire, but across the UK, for fabulous food and wine it is an honour to be asked to maintain and enhance this.

This reputation has been underlined by this fantastic accolade in the new Good Food Guide publication.

“The food and drink that we will be serving at The Owl will reflect the charm of one of the loveliest pubs in Yorkshire. 

“It will be covering all bases, from walkers coming in for a pint and a snack, to guests staying for dinner and bed and breakfast. 

“Everyone will be treated to a warm welcome and tremendous food.

“It is my aim to keep the essence of traditional pub fare, with some changes here to elevate our offering. 

“Making British game more accessible to all is something I’m passionate about, as I see it as an untapped, healthy and sustainable resource. 

“We’re currently taking partridge and venison regularly from the Hawnby estate, with some rabbits and pheasant thrown into the mix.”

The Good Food Guide described The Owl as a “welcoming retreat” offering “unfussy food and a comfortable bed for the night”, with standout dishes such as monkfish scampi with curry mayo and devilled kidneys on toast.

Will’s arrival coincides with the appointment of Wesley Jones as front of house manager, reuniting the pair after previously working together in London.

Jamie Savile, from Mexborough Estates, added: “The promotion of Will to head chef at The Owl is great news. 

“These are exciting times for our wonderful inn, especially in view of the new Good Food Guide accolade, and the arrival of Wesley.

“I am very confident that Will’s promotion at The Owl will be a tremendous success, making the most of the inn’s enormous potential. 

“Will shares our enthusiasm and desire to continue to build a sustainable and successful rural hospitality business at the heart of Hawnby and also understands the importance of the classic British country pub.”

Pete Varley, a director of The Owl, added: “This is an extremely positive moment in the development of The Owl, as Sam fulfils his creative ambitions at Brancusi and also keeps his hands on the tiller at The Owl. 

“Wesley, meanwhile, will be a great support at the front of house.

“Will totally understands the culinary culture of the place and has been a tremendous asset ever since he arrived from the Star Inn at Harome.”

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