A member of a legendary Yorkshire restaurant dynasty is set to transform a historic North York Moors pub following a significant six-figure investment.
Salvatore “Salvo” Dammone joins the Royal Oak at Gillamoor as executive chef and general manager from June 30, bringing three generations of culinary heritage to the 17th century inn following major renovations that have added four new ensuite bedrooms and transformed the bar area.
The 29-year-old carries the legacy of his grandfather Salvatore Dammone, who founded Leeds’ much-loved Salvo’s Restaurant in 1976.
Having earned AA Rosette awards and Good Food Guide recognition in his own right, Salvo honed his skills at the family restaurant that Gordon Ramsay’s “The F Word” crowned as the UK’s best neighbourhood Italian.
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Salvo said: “Growing up in hospitality my whole life, making other people happy with cooking is one of my loves. It’s in my blood – I’ve grown up with it in the family, so it’s just natural.”
Salvo’s career spans Michelin-starred establishments including Giorgio Locatelli’s Locanda Locatelli in London and La Foresteria on Sicily’s Planeta Estate. He has also operated Salvatore’s, his own street food venture in Headingley.
Having previously worked with the Royal Oak’s owners, Salvo emphasises his hands-on approach.
Salvo Dammone outside The Royal Oak (Image: Bruce Rollinson)
He explained: “I’m very much front-of-house as well as in the kitchen – that’s how you make your mark.”
Salvo plans to transform the Royal Oak’s offering while respecting its traditional roots. The new menu will blend British pub fare with Italian influences and Indian-inspired dishes.
He continued: “The food itself is going to be my stamp. I want this to be the place that people want to go every week, not just for special occasions. I want to be part of the local community and part of everyone’s routine.”
The Royal Oak says it is committed to local sourcing, building on established relationships with award-winning Radford’s Butcher at Sleights near Whitby. The menu will feature 40-day aged steaks, slow-braised lamb with Indian spices, fresh daily pasta, and locally-sourced seafood, alongside estate-grown produce and venison.
Luke Wilkinson, director of the company that owns the pub, said: “This is an exciting project. We’ve invested in the Royal Oak, and appointing Salvo represents our investment in people as well as facilities.
“His food is fantastic, and bringing in someone from such a culinary heritage should bring exciting new cuisine to the area while maintaining what our loyal customers already love about us.”
Future plans include wood-fired pizzas, burger Mondays, six-course taster menus, and wine evenings. The Royal Oak will maintain its partnership with Bon Coeur Fine Wines and continue serving local cask ales.
The Grade II-listed sandstone building sits in picturesque Gillamoor, three miles north of Kirkbymoorside – a village mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Royal Oak now offers 12 ensuite rooms and employs 20 staff.
Salvo added: “I’m really looking forward to working alongside the Royal Oak’s talented existing team. Together, we’re starting just in time for summer. This is just the beginning.”