There are not many hoteliers or restaurateurs that can turn a small business into a top flight concern in just a year, but John and Sue Rudden of 5 Grassington House are the calibre of talented and dedicated people who have shown it is more than possible.

Within only eleven weeks of taking on the small Yorkshire Dales hotel in 2008, the industry’s first Quality in Tourism assessment gave them a Silver Award, itself an amazing achievement in the timescale. The work to attain this first huge milestone set the scene for their massive refurbishment programme to upgrade the Georgian building overlooking Grassington’s cobbled square and really put it on the cuisine map.

A year later and the assessors delivered their 5 Star Gold Award verdict, tourism’s highest accolade, but still John and Sue strive to constantly improve the business. The conservatory is next in line for a rebuild and they hope to add extra bedrooms by re-developing the car park. Inside, the luxurious interiors programme continues and the bedrooms are each stamped with a unique style which shows that the Ruddens’ creative flair extends beyond the kitchen and into design.

Originally from Skipton, John trained at the The Angel at Hetton under Dennis Watkins and is returning to his roots with this Grassington venture having meanwhile made a name for himself in the North West. As chef and partner of the acclaimed White Hart at Lydgate John was awarded Chef of the Year three times. Not surprisingly, success followed him back to the Dales and 5 Grassington House was nominated Newcomer of the Year 2009 by both Northern Hospitality and Yorkshire Life.

When Quality in Tourism sent their mystery guest to stay, the hotel was awarded a 100% score for Hospitality and the assessor’s report summary said “Standards of cuisine were once again superb. Well deserving of the Gold Award”. So, what is the secret of their success? The sheer hard graft, drive and round the clock dedication of John and Sue is clearly an inspiration to the rest of the team, but above and beyond that, it is the personable entrepreneurial spirit of this couple that attracts the following of both visitors and locals alike.

Such is John’s easy nature and willingness to banter that his series of Master Class events are proving to be immensely popular. With the dining room converted to a small theatre and a demonstration table usurping the place of the grand piano, John entertains small groups of people for a cookery demonstration followed by lunch. The event programme running through the winter months covers everything from Classic Casseroles through to Delicious Deserts and includes all John’s favourite recipes and clever tips for producing restaurant quality food at home. Even the challenge of Christmas dinner was made simple with his expert advice and demonstration.

Where many catering businesses pay lip service to locally grown produce John has flung himself headlong into the fully fledged ‘field to fork’ experience. His pride and joy are his own beloved pigs, hand reared on a small-holding at the top of the village and served in the restaurant as rare breed pork with plenty of crackling.

“It’s very rewarding, knowing that we are serving our own home grown produce with no additives, preservatives or food miles. Except for those I’ve spent running up the moor lane after them when they escaped, of course,” says John ruefully.

It is this down to earth – literally – approach that has helped John and Sue win the hearts of the Grassington community. They may be serving top class cuisine but there is nothing stuffy or ostentatious about dining here. The rugby lads are as welcome in the immaculately furnished bar as the fine diners and it’s an easy ambience that appeals to everyone. Tourists hovering indecisively outside are cajoled in by John’s easy wit and persuaded to warm their boots by the fire while indulging in a luxurious light lunch after their walking. Next time they bring their friends, perhaps even to stay over, and so it goes on. The warm Rudden welcome and delicious food wins over everyone who is lucky enough to find themselves in this blessed corner of the Dales.