A Yorkshire food ‘power couple’ have announced their latest move – taking over one of North Yorkshire’s best-known gourmet inns.
Chef Tom Heywood and his wife Laurissa, known for opening the acclaimed Pignut in Helmsley, will move to The Hare at Scawton, taking over from Paul and Liz Jackson. The new venture, opening in July, will become Pignut & The Hare met at the former Rattle Owl restaurant in Micklegate in York – where Laurissa was restaurant manager and Tom head chef.
They left to pursue their dream and opened Pignut, a restaurant reimagining fine dining in the heart of Helmsley back in 2023.
The move to Helmsley means exciting times for Laurissa and Tom – the venue will also offer on-site accommodation and the chance to become more self-sufficient by growing produce on the surrounding land.
This move is the culmination of a long-held ambition for Tom, who once phoned The Hare looking for a job early in his culinary career.
He said: “About 8 or 9 years ago I remember ringing The Hare asking for a job as I loved everything about the restaurant, and after meeting Paul and Liz I really wanted to work there but they said they had no jobs available and I had to find somewhere else.
“Now I have been given the opportunity to own the Hare and it will be our restaurant. It’s a full circle moment and a huge achievement to have such an amazing restaurant and building behind me and Laurissa. We can’t wait to get started and see where we can take it.”
Laurissa said: “I am so excited to get started with the Hare, Liz and Paul have been so helpful from the moment they found out we were opening Pignut in Helmsley. Now they have given us this opportunity to own The Hare, it’s a really special place and we can’t wait to see where it takes us. It really is a dream come true.”
Pignut has earned numerous accolades, including Three AA Rosettes, a recommendation in the Michelin Guide, and recognition as a carbon-neutral business. Tom’s innovative cooking and Laurissa’s warm hospitality have put Pignut on the map, with menus that celebrate hyper-local, foraged ingredients, and a zero-waste philosophy.
The Hare, which Paul and Liz Jackson lovingly restored over more than a decade, has long been a destination for food lovers. With its rustic charm, contemporary interiors, and four beautiful guest rooms, it was named AA Restaurant with Rooms of the Year for England in 2021.
They said: “While we are still on a high, we have decided to hand over the reins to a younger, hungry, dynamic couple.
“We have loved every minute of our time here. We have met some great people, many of which we have served countless times.
“We’ve built our business to its enviable position from nothing. There have been ups and downs, blood, sweat and tears, and we are immensely proud of our achievements.
“It wasn’t necessarily a planned time to move on, but having met Tom and Laurissa a few years ago we instantly thought they would be a great successor to us.”
