Conservation-led hospitality design, heritage restoration, operational improvement, guest experience enhancement.

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Place

 

Standing proudly at the top of Malham village, overlooking the green and surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, The Lister Arms has been welcoming travellers for more than three centuries.

This ivy-clad Grade II listed former coaching inn was built in 1723 and remains one of the village's most recognisable buildings. Its enduring character is woven into the fabric of Malham itself, making it not simply a destination, but an intrinsic part of the place.

When we were invited to refurbish the bar and restaurant, the brief was deceptively simple:

"Make it look like we haven't done anything to it."

A statement that perfectly captured the responsibility of working within such a cherished and historic setting.

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Building

Historic buildings tell their stories through layers of use, adaptation and age. At The Lister Arms, our role was not to reinvent the interior but to reveal and reinforce the qualities that had made it special for generations.

Working sensitively within the existing fabric of the building, we carefully restored and refreshed key guest-facing areas, respecting the original character while introducing the comfort, durability and functionality required for modern hospitality.

Every intervention was considered through the lens of the building's history. Materials, finishes and details were selected to feel as though they belonged, creating spaces that sit naturally within the centuries-old inn rather than competing with it.

The true success of the project lies in what guests don't notice: a seamless refurbishment that feels entirely authentic to the building's past.

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People

For over 300 years, The Lister Arms has been a place where people come together.

As described by Thwaites:

"We don't know why there's a wine glass carved into the date stone above the door, but we're guessing it was an invitation to relax as soon as you stepped over the threshold. Three hundred years later, that invitation is as sincere and enchanting as ever. Good food, warm hospitality and deep comfort are the keystones of everything we do."

The refurbishment was designed to support this enduring spirit of hospitality. Whether guests arrive after a day walking the Dales, gather with family and friends around a table, or settle beside the fire with a pie and a pint, the environment now works harder whilst feeling completely familiar.

By preserving the warmth, personality and authenticity of the inn, we have helped ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the experience that has made The Lister Arms such a beloved destination.

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Flow

The challenge was not only aesthetic but operational.

Behind the scenes, the refurbishment sought to improve how staff and guests move through the space, creating a more intuitive experience for both. The bar, restaurant and arrival spaces were carefully considered to support the natural rhythms of service whilst maintaining the relaxed atmosphere for which the inn is known.

The result is a hospitality environment that feels effortless. Guests experience the building as it has always been: welcoming, comfortable and timeless. Yet beneath the surface, thoughtful interventions improve functionality, longevity and daily operations.

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Project Outcome

The completed refurbishment demonstrates how successful heritage hospitality projects are often the ones where the design work goes unnoticed.

At The Lister Arms, our ambition was never to create something new. Instead, it was to honour nearly 300 years of history, celebrating the character, craftsmanship and hospitality that define this remarkable Yorkshire inn.

Sometimes the greatest compliment is hearing that it looks exactly as it always should have