The George & Dragon is not just a place for a drink and a meal, as it also contains a small volunteer-run village shop selling essentials.
“The whole community aspect of the pub and the shop are vitally important to the village. Which is why when a pub dies or goes out of use people say ‘can we open this ourself’ and they do and it makes such a difference,” Mrs Swettenham said.
There are also community allotments just past the beer garden and a little library within the pub.
The success of the pub has inspired other community projects in the village, which sits at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The Hudswell Community Charity has converted the redundant St Michael’s Church into a walkers’ hostel, and has also been involved in the development of affordable housing in the village.
Mrs Swettenham said they had been fortunate with their previous tenant and had received a lot of interest in the vacancy.
She said they were hopeful they could find someone to continue to develop the pub’s business, its role in the community and maintain its reputation for good beer and food.
“I would say a good pub, which is more than a pub, it’s a meeting place and a place where people can enjoy each other’s company.”
She said the board of HCP was very supportive of its tenants and was committed to keeping the pub open, while keeping its traditional feel.
“People want, especially in the Dales, an old-fashioned, fire-lit, dog-friendly, nice local pub,” she said.
