The General Tarleton Inn was originally built as a coaching inn towards the end of the 18th century and was named after the butcher general who fought in the American War of Independence probably by one of the men who fought alongside him. The General Tarleton has been extensively and sympathetically renovated and extended and is now regarded as one of Yorkshire's best country inns. Owners, John and Claire Topham are closely involved with its day-to-day management and have put their own style to its design and decor. We have recently been awarded 5 guest accommodation status by the AA and Visit Britain. John's passion for food started in the kitchens at a local hotel where he worked part time at weekends from the age of 14. Having honed his skills both at home and abroad he was appointed Head Chef at The Angel Inn at Hetton, the forerunner to fine dining gastropubs and where he stayed for 18 years. When John was awarded UK Pub Chef of the Year at the pub food industry's equivalent of the Oscars the presenter said, John Topham has to be one of the most talented and skilled chefs I have ever come across in the pub food trade his in depth culinary knowledge is reflected in his innovative selection of mouth watering and visually inspiring dishes using local produce in an imaginative way. John jointly purchased The General Tarleton with The Angel Inn's owners, Denis and Juliet Watkins, and together they embarked on an ambitious renovation plan to successfully create one of the North's most exciting dining pubs. John and his wife, Claire, subsequently took over full ownership of The General Tarleton from Denis and Juliet. John and Claire's Head Chef, Stephen Carr, and Front of House Manager, Enzo Scibilia, continue the practice of offering delicious food with outstanding hospitality.