Tom and Laurissa Heywood, the dynamic husband and wife duo behind the acclaimed Pignut restaurant in Helmsley, are preparing to write the next chapter in their remarkable journey.
In a move that marks both a professional milestone and a deeply personal dream, the couple have acquired the renowned Hare at Scawton – a 12th-century inn nestled in the heart of the North York Moors – from Paul and Liz Jackson.
The transition, set to take place in July 2025, will see Pignut relocate to the historic site, which will be reimagined as Pignut & The Hare. The venue will retain its charm while offering new possibilities for Tom and Laurissa, including 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.
Tom 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 added: “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 opened in June 2023 and quickly established itself as one of North Yorkshire’s most exciting fine dining destinations. Known for its fiercely sustainable approach, the restaurant 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.
At the heart of the restaurant is a commitment to community and the environment. Ingredients are sourced from nearby producers such as Otterburn Farm and Castle Howard, while herbs, vegetables and flowers are picked by hand at Helmsley Walled Garden – a project run by volunteers to promote mental health through gardening. Even the dried flowers on the tables are from Tom and Laurissa’s own garden.
This dedication to sustainability earned Pignut carbon-neutral status in 2024, and Laurissa’s leadership was recognised with a prestigious Acorn Award, celebrating her as one of the UK hospitality industry’s rising stars under 30.
Now, the pair are ready to bring their values, creativity and passion to their new home at Scawton. 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.
Paul and Liz 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.
“After their success at Pignut over the past couple of years we thought the time was right. We’ve been to their restaurant and enjoyed their hospitality many times, and we’re 100% sure we have made the right decision in supporting two future giants of the industry to get to where they want to be and at the same time ensure The Hare goes from strength to strength.”
For Tom and Laurissa, the move represents more than just a change in location. It’s a chance to grow – literally and figuratively. With access to more land, they plan to increase their own food production, offering guests an even closer connection to nature and the source of their meals.
As they prepare to say farewell to Bridge Street in Helmsley and hello to Scawton, the team behind Pignut remain grounded in the same values that made them a success: authenticity, sustainability, and a deep love of food and hospitality.
*The final service at their current location will be June 29th – bookings are now open for Pignut and The Hare, the opening day is August 1 – www.pignutandthehare.co.uk
