The Thai Kitchen at The Black Bull opened in Boroughbridge in November 2023, offering something new to the fast-growing town and a way for country pubs to survive.
It is run by Leah Ladee and Olé Malathsopha, who rent the kitchen and restaurant area from pub landlord John Burgess.
The Black Bull in St James Square is Grade II-listed and has been serving beer since it was built in 1278 and is reputedly the second-oldest pub in Yorkshire.
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John took over the pub six years ago, following the death of his father Anthony, but he was unsure what to do with the kitchen.
After ringing around contacts and others, he came across Olé and Leah, who previously ran a restaurant in Leeds, and invited them to create a separate business in his pub.
The Black Bull Inn (Image: Street View)
Olé said: “We thought it was a superb option as there was not any Thai restaurant in town.
“We brought something different to the town as there is no Thai restaurant in the area. Now that we are here, people don’t have to go for miles away for Thai food.”
Olé continued: “It has been very successful since the beginning. We have so much positive feedback from customers and getting great reviews on Tripadvisor.”
TripAdvisor gives the restaurant 5 stars out of five, based on 20 reviews, 19 of which are excellent, ranking it 7th out of 19 Boroughbridge restaurants.
Google awards the restaurant 4.8 stars out of five, based on 28 reviews.
The couple says they are very pleased to be at the Black Bull and they hope to “provide even greater foods and better service in the future.”
The meals are all cooked from fresh, with the finest ingredients, offering Boroughbridge something unique, that it lacked before. Diners are also promised a lovely atmosphere for a sit-down meal.
Olé wants to give a big thank you to customers for their support.
And for future newcomers, he added: “We can guarantee that you will not be disappointed!”
Black Bull landlord John Burgess believes pubs offering Asian or street foods could be a way to ensure their survival.
The Black Bull also offers accommodation, is listed in the Good Beer Guide and is noted for a warm, open fire.
John said of Olé and Leah: “They are a really nice couple, we get on very well.”
“We (the pub) have brought a lot of business to them and they have brought a lot of business to us.”
“I personally think this could be a way to help save country pubs. The restaurant has really helped us. We were doing okay but a lot of rural pubs need to offer food. Asian and street food is something different for rural towns.”
John added: “The restaurant has many customers who keep coming back and though Olé and Leah will try and fit you in, most nights you have to book.”
