Provenance Inns has announced the appointment of Rupert Farquharson as managing director. An experienced hospitality and drinks trade professional, Farquharson takes up his new role as the seven-strong gastropub and hotel operator gears up for the next phase of its growth.
Farquharson was most recently managing director of Norfolk brewer Woodforde’s, and in a 25-year career has also held roles with Adnams, where he was retail director, as well as with Bass Brewers, Diageo and the Wine Society.
Chris Blundell, chairman and co-founder of North Yorkshire-based Provenance Inns, said: “We’re delighted that Rupert is joining us. His experience will be invaluable both in maintaining the impeccably high service and quality standards that mark out our existing pubs and hotels in the very competitive hospitality market, as well as ensuring that we are ready to make the most of new opportunities.”
Farquharson added: ”Provenance Inns has established a strong reputation as a leading hospitality operator, both across our trading area and nationally, and the opportunity to be part of this hugely professional team, both at senior level and in each of the pubs and hotels, is wonderful.
“In a market where consumers have more choice than ever, and the economic outlook is likely to challenge us, I’ve had to hit the ground running. However, I’m confident that we will continue to take Provenance Inns from strength to strength.” Provenance Inns was founded in 2010 by Blundell, a former director of supermarket group Morrisons, and Michael Ibbotson, who stepped down as managing director earlier this year. The company currently has 275 employees and a turnover of c.£10m.
Among the many national and regional accolades for the business, Provenance Inns was named Pub Group of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2015, Best Accommodation Operator at the Publican Awards 2016, and, most recently, Best Large Company 2017 at the Harrogate Advertiser Business Awards.
The seven businesses in the Provenance Inns portfolio are: The Black Bull Inn, Moulton; the Carpenters Arms, Felixkirk; the Crown & Cushion, Welburn; the Oak Tree, Helperby; the Punch Bowl, Marton cum Grafton; the West Park Hotel, Harrogate; and the most recent addition, the Cleveland Tontine, Staddlebridge, acquired in 2016.
