Pignut & The Hare, the newly relaunched restaurant with rooms in Scawton, North Yorkshire, has been awarded the AA Five Star Restaurant with Rooms Gold Award only a month after opening its doors. The recognition comes alongside the reconfirmation of the restaurant’s Three AA Rosettes and AA Breakfast Award.
Tom and Laurissa Heywood said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the AA Five Star Gold Award and the reconfirmation of our Three Rosettes and Breakfast Award, especially so soon after reopening in our new home here in Scawton. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole team, both in the kitchen and front of house. To be recognised at this level just a month into this new chapter means the world to us. We can’t wait to keep building on this foundation and welcoming guests to experience everything Pignut & The Hare has to offer.”
The awards follow an overnight inspection in early September, which commended the restaurant’s food, service and hospitality. The inspector’s report described the property as “a pleasure to visit,” praising its interiors, housekeeping and the kitchen’s “memorable moments” across dinner and breakfast.
Led by Chef Patron Tom Heywood and Restaurant Manager Laurissa Heywood, Pignut & The Hare continues the couple’s focus on seasonal, ingredient-led menus and personal service. The AA report highlighted both the restaurant and its four letting rooms, noting dishes such as Lindisfarne oyster with wild garlic, Castle Howard lamb with mint and Duncombe Park venison with black pudding and plum gel.
The Five Star Gold Award is the AA’s highest recognition, reserved for establishments that deliver exceptional quality and service. The Three AA Rosettes, first held by the team at Pignut in Helmsley, confirm its place in the national dining scene. At the same time, the Breakfast Award recognises attention to detail in the morning offering.
The inspector also commented that while the rooms and public spaces already meet a high standard, further refurbishments are planned to enhance the guest experience.
Nestled in the North York Moors, Pignut & The Hare now stands among the UK’s top restaurants with rooms, combining historic character with a modern approach to dining and hospitality.
