The Woolly Sheep Inn – Skipton, North Yorkshire

Bowman Riley worked with Timothy Taylor’s to enhance The Woolly Sheep Inn, one of Yorkshire’s best-known pubs, through a programme of refurbishment, branding, wayfinding and digital innovation. The objective was to improve the customer experience, maximise the use of existing spaces and strengthen the pub’s identity whilst retaining the character and heritage that make it a popular destination.

Our brief was to preserve the pub’s charm that local people love while making better use of underused areas, such as the function and dining rooms.

Working closely with the client team, we developed a coordinated design approach that combined interior design, architectural improvements, signage and digital technology to create a more welcoming and engaging environment for customers.

Interior Refurbishment

The refurbishment focused on improving key customer areas throughout the pub. An underperforming function room was transformed into the Sheep Room, a flexible and characterful space inspired by the atmosphere of the pub’s well-loved Snug. The dining room was refreshed with carefully selected finishes, lighting, and furnishings to create a warmer, more inviting setting.

The project also enhanced the pub’s external offer. An unused outdoor area was enclosed to form a new internal courtyard and extended bar area, while the beer garden was upgraded with private seating huts, heating and a retractable canopy. These improvements increased capacity and enabled year-round use of the outdoor spaces.

Sustainability was an important consideration throughout the project. Existing flooring was retained where possible, banquette seating was reupholstered rather than replaced, and locally sourced materials were incorporated into the design.

Branding, Signage and Wayfinding

As part of the wider refurbishment, Bowman Riley developed a comprehensive signage and wayfinding strategy. A review of the customer journey identified opportunities to improve navigation throughout the venue, particularly to the toilets, function spaces and outdoor areas.

Working alongside Timothy Taylor’s marketing team, we designed a suite of wayfinding signage, bespoke graphics, murals and artwork that reflected the heritage and personality of The Woolly Sheep Inn. The integrated approach created a consistent visual identity and improved the overall visitor experience by making the venue easier to navigate and more memorable for customers.

Digital Visitor Experience

To support the pub’s marketing strategy, Bowman Riley produced an immersive Matterport 3D virtual tour of the venue. The virtual experience allows potential visitors to explore the pub, dining areas and guest accommodation remotely before booking. The tour has become a valuable marketing tool, improving customer engagement and providing greater confidence for guests planning their visit.

Key Challenges and Solutions

A key challenge was delivering multiple improvements whilst maintaining the character and authenticity that had established The Woolly Sheep Inn as a successful destination. Through close collaboration with the client, contractor and stakeholder team, Bowman Riley delivered a coordinated solution that balanced heritage, operational requirements and customer expectations.

The completed project has transformed the customer experience, improved operational efficiency and strengthened the venue’s identity. By integrating architecture, interior design, branding and digital technology within a single project, Bowman Riley helped create a distinctive destination that supports the continued success of one of Yorkshire’s most popular pubs.

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.

Woolly Sheep Inn was named the Yorkshire and the Humber Pub & Bar of the Year at this year’s Pub & Bar Awards 2026.

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