The Banyers House in Royston is a Grade II listed Georgian building on Melbourn Street, built in the 18th century (circa 1700s) for the Reverend Edward Banyer, the Vicar of Royston from 1739 to 1752. Formerly a vicarage, private home, and boarding house, it became a hotel in the 1930s before being refurbished by Oakman Inns & Restaurants in 2016.
It is known for its neo-classical, white-brick facade, a rumoured secret tunnel to the nearby church, and a history that includes hosting notable residents like abolitionist Joseph Beldam.
Banyers House closed its doors to the public on 5th January 2026 to undergo refurbishment before re-opening under the management of Acorn Pubs. Acorn Pubs intend to change the name of Banyers House to “The Chalk Hare” thus erasing a name which has long been associated with this building and which provides an important cultural link to this building’s almost 300-year history.
We invite Acorn Pubs to retain the name Banyers House. It is understood that they have retained the historic names of at least two of the other pubs within their group (The White Hart, Ampthill and the Royal Foresters, Ascot) and it is suggested that it is possible to bring a new lease of life to Banyers House through their exciting new refurbishment and proposals to update the menu without needing to change the name of the building itself.
