We’ve long been supporters of Provenance Inns, the collection of Yorkshire pubs created in 2012 by Michael Ibbotson and Chris Blundell in lovely villages in North Yorks. Ibbotson had the Durham Ox at Crayke before joining with Blundell to open the Carpenters Arms at Felixkirk and the Oak Tree at Helperby. 
Since then there’s been no stopping them. They bought up the struggling Punch Bowl at Marton cum Grafton, the Crown and Cushion at Welburn and are soon to open the West Park Hotel in Harrogate and later this week, the much anticipated opening of the Black Bull at Moulton.
Their success is based on taking tired old, unloved boozers and making them into pleasant country inns: lovely décor, fires in the grate, tubs of fresh flowers and a menu that’s sensibly priced with gutsy dishes of food we like to eat, so Squidbeak is delighted to send birthday wishes to the Oak Tree who are celebrating their third birthday this weekend with music, lucky dip meal vouchers and a slice of birthday cake prepared by new head chef Robert Corless. Be there.
Oak Tree Inn, Raskelf Road, Helperby, North Yorkshire YO61 2PH
Tel 01429 789189
www.theoaktreehelperby.com