The Woolly Sheep Inn – Skipton, North Yorkshire

Bowman Riley revitalised the Woolly Sheep Inn in Skipton, Timothy Taylor’s most successful pub, modernising the space without losing its beloved character. Our brief was to preserve the pub’s charm that local people love, while making better use of underused areas like the function and dining rooms.

Our team revamped the function room, now called the Sheep Room, using textures and finishes that mirror the cosy atmosphere of the Snug and is now consistently in use. The once characterless dining room was given warmth and appeal through new finishes, lighting, and textures. Sustainability was key, with much of the existing flooring retained, banquette seating re-upholstered, and materials locally sourced from Abraham Moon, a high-quality heritage cloth maker in Guiseley, Leeds.

Our team transformed an underused outdoor area into an internal courtyard, expanding the bar. We also revamped the external courtyard with private seating huts, a retractable canopy, and heaters, creating a welcoming space year-round.

We maintained close collaboration with Timothy Taylor’s and the local contractor, holding weekly meetings to keep the project on track. Starting with concept designs and 3D visuals, we transitioned to technical plans, ensuring the space was both functional and visually appealing. Our in-house graphic designer also enhanced wayfinding and interior graphics, simplifying the layout for an improved user experience.

The Woolly Sheep now offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that maximises both its space and character for locals and visitors alike. The results surpassed expectations, with the pub achieving record financial success.

See more of Bowman Riley’s restaurant and bar experience here