Malton’s showpiece hotel The Talbot reopens after fears for its future.

Great to hear that Malton’s showpiece Talbot Hotel is reopening today after a wobble over its future because of the Covid crisis. It’s delicious news for the foodie town - and reason to get excited about an autumn gourmet food trip.

Last year we paid a visit to the hotel which is at the heart of a Yorkshire town that is now one of the country’s go-to artisan destinations. Now, The Coaching Inn group has taken over the running of the hotel, securing local jobs and making a lot of foodies very happy.

Last summer The Talbot had undergone a style transplant of its own. Always a knockout building with its honey-coloured stone and position at the gateway to the town, the hotel’s past as a 17th century coaching inn is reflected its grand and largely unchanged features.

You walk on slightly trembling floorboards and age-smoothed flagstones into rooms with a mix of grandeur and easy charm.

A tender revamp gave the hotel a bit of edge, opening it up to a new raft of visitors lured by the appeal of ‘foodie’ Malton, who might have once side-stepped its cosy afternoon tea reputation. It’s always a go-for the lucky locals, not least thanks to a ravishing outside terrace with river views and bespoke seasonal cocktails.

A bohemian style sweep replaced chintz with layers of texture from linens to velvets on mismatched furniture and indulgent sink-in sofas and chairs. Bashed leather, the odd pew and salvaged oak stools in the bar as comfort and character.

There’s respect for the past with the restoration of wood panelling, fireplaces and all the lovely period detail you’d expect in a place like this.

Bathrooms with indulgent roll-top baths mix modern with period style and you’re invited to bubble up with the Pearman’s own 100 Acres toiletries collection.

The style of the building and separate spaces makes it easier to create rooms which fit different purposes; bright morning rooms for reading the papers, cosy cubby holes for a late night brandy or the so sociable light-filled bar with its glass roof and sofas.

Over the road is Malton’s must-visit Talbot Food Court (you can book a three-hour tasting tour).

Talbotmalton.co.uk