EH seeks help to run first pub

English Heritage is looking for a successful food operator to run its first pub.

The body, which is responsible for maintaining and preserving historic sites, has bought the 17th-century Abbey Inn at Byland, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

English Heritage bought the Grade II-listed pub because it wants to preserve it as a 'vital resource for visitors to the ruins of Byland Abbey, which is opposite.

Profits from the pub will be used to preserve Byland Abbey and other English Heritage sites.

'This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who wants to run a high-quality business in a stunning location, said English Heritage's commercial director Gordon Seabright.

'We are looking for someone who has a strong track record in running a successful pub or restaurant and is passionate about food, he added.

The previous owner, Jane Nordli, will run the Abbey Inn until a new manager is found. Nordli, who has owned the pub for eight years, said the style of food created by her two chefs is 'modern British.

Examples of dishes served in the restaurant include: griddled pork fillet on sweet potato and thyme mash with cider and apple gravy (£12); pan-fried salmon with roasted vine cherry tomatoes and rocket salad (£12); and griddled venison steak, bearnaise sauce, watercress salad and chunky jacket wedges (£16).

About 50 to 60 covers are served daily during lunch and up to 90 in the evening. The food is almost all locally sourced.

Anyone interested in managing the Abbey Inn should call Gordon Seabright on 01793 414700.