The Grasshobbler in Leyburn

Sitting proudly on Leyburn’s High Street, The Grasshobbler occupies a building with far deeper roots than its modern cocktail‑and‑tapas personality suggests. A few friends and I gathered there for lunch and wow, what wonderful food. All tapas dishes with plenty to choose from, cocktails if you wish and my red wine was most palatable! The staff were lovely and looked after us beautifully.

The structure of the building though dates back to 1875, built in the solid, confident style of the Victorian banking era. For generations it served the town, first as the Leicestershire Banking Company, later as Midland Bank (where I used to take the cash etc when I worked at Yare’s Garage, now Leyburn Garages, in the early 70’s) and then most recently HSBC. The tall, symmetrical frontage more or less remains the same and inside, some of the original features have been carefully preserved although the beautiful teller’s counter is no longer there, perhaps stripped out when Costa was there very briefly in 2019 but who soon left in 2020.

After Costa departed and the building eventually fell empty it was purchased by local property developer Steve Weatherill, making flats above to rent. Downstairs now taken further and designed by Steve along with Milly Bennett, the name Grasshobbler began at the start of their relationship when a grasshopper appeared on their first date but then evolved in to Grasshobbler because of Millie’s hobbling hips, poor Milly.

Where money once changed hands, people now gather for conversation and shared plates and some time out. I suppose you could say it feels less like a transformation and more like a continuation,

the same old building, still serving Leyburn, just in a way that suits the town’s rhythm now. A familiar landmark with a new heartbeat. All the very best to them for this new venture, long may it last.

Do come and stay in one of our beautiful Country Hideaways holiday cottages and try The Grasshobbler. Call me, Nadine, or my daughter Joanne, on 01969 663559 for friendly help and advice and to book over the telephone or, of course, do book online if you prefer.

See you soon!