Posted on the 1st May 2026 in PHTM News

NATIONAL OUTCRY AS FAMOUS CRITICS AND MP BLAST COUNCIL OVER RESTAURANT TAXI ROW

A small North Yorkshire restaurant has become the centre of a national debate after top media figures and a local MP lined up to attack a council’s decision to ban free lifts for diners.

The Michelin Guide-listed Hansom Restaurant in Bedale was told by North Yorkshire Council that its complimentary lift service was illegal without a formal private hire licence, sparking accusations of “petty officialdom.”

Chef Ruth Hansom-Rigby started the service because local transport is so unreliable that guests were often left stranded. Her partner, Mark, would drive them home for free to ensure they were safe.

“We kept having to give people a lift home anyway, so we thought we could offer this as something we do make sure everyone gets home safely, as Mark’s free anyway in the evenings,” Ruth explained.

However, North Yorkshire Council found out and said the couple would need a private hire licence, even though they did not charge extra for the lifts.

She admitted the council’s inter-vention felt “a little bit annoying” and “a little harsh,” adding, “we’re not trying to steal anybody else’s business - we’re literally doing it for people who can’t get a taxi.”

The story caught the attention of celebrity food critic Giles Coren, who on Monday slammed the council in his column for The Times. Coren, who previously had to hitchhike from Northallerton to reach the restaurant, wrote: “Yeah, you sue her, you absolute local heroes.

“You teach Ruth and Mark a lesson for being great at their jobs, for treasuring their customers, for trying to create a little joy and make ends meet in a collapsing world.”

The story led to an editorial in Tuesday’s Times, which thundered: “North Yorkshire Council must get over its obsession with red tape.” Former Sun Editor Kelvin Mackenzie also waded in on X (formerly twitter), with the story also appearing in The Telegraph, Daily Mail and The Guardian.

Local MP Kevin Hollinrake also joined the fight, calling the situation “mad” on social media. He argued that the restaurant was simply using common sense in an area with no trains or Ubers.

“This is exactly why people are fed up with petty officialdom,” he said. “Instead, councils should be saying to businesses ‘how can we help?’”

The council, however, maintains that the rules are there for a reason. Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director for environ-ment, stated that while the lifts might seem helpful, they create “serious risks” without proper checks.

He said the rules ensure “appropriate insurance, safeguarding measures, vehicle safety standards and driver suitability checks are in place to protect customers.”

The council confirmed the matter was officially settled in late 2025 after the owners agreed to cooperate.


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