People Make Places with Ripon Business Owner Rick Jones
People make Places! It’s people at the heart of Ripon who really make our wonderful city come alive.
This week we spoke to Rick Jones who owns two Ripon institutions, Valentino’s Ristorante on Westgate and the riverside The Water Rat Public House and Restaurant. Talking about what it’s like to be a business owner in our wonderful city, here’s what he had to say :
1. Why do you like doing business in Ripon?
Ripon is my home town. Over the past 28 years in business and since I started training here, I have had the opportunity to not only increase employment and opportunity for the local community but gain a vast group of valued customers who have become a huge part of our family business
2. Do you have any menu favourites at Valentino’s or The Water Rat?
As I am mainly based as one of the chefs at Valentino’s and I have worked in the kitchen from the age of 15, I have my favourites. I am most proud that all our produce is made from scratch with particular pride in the fresh pasta made daily and the home made gelato we invested in last year. The team we have at The Water Rat are exceptional. Everyone raves to me about our seafood platter, which is lovely . Drinks wise I am very proud of Hollie our manager who has worked her way up with us from the age of 15 and is a real inspiration. She keeps a cracking pint of local cask ale !
3. Do you have any business predictions for 2025?
Business in 2025 is going to see some challenges, a lot more than in the past years. Saying that, I’m excited to work with my team (which I class as part of my family), to develop their skills and provide opportunities for growth .
4. What other Ripon businesses do you recommend?
Ripon has so many independents that I’m so proud of and work closely with . A huge shout out to Robyn who opened Gallery 32 on Kirkgate late last year. She has a wealth of experience with her fine art degree as well as supporting many independent artists. I had the honour of being her first sale which was one of her own works that now hangs at the Water Rat. Drinks wise the Storehouse Bar & Eatery and the One Eyed Rat are my go to’s. There is so much choice and range everywhere, Ripon really is a business community to be proud of.
For more information on both Valentinos and The Water Rat and to book at table today, why not give them a follow or head over to their websites for more details :
www.thewaterrat.co.uk – Real ale & home cooked comfort food in a wonderful waterside location.www.valentinosripon.co.uk – Enjoy authentic Italian food, stylish rooms, wonderful wine & homemade gelato in the heart of historic Ripon