Schools and attractions close early as snow hits Harrogate district

Several schools and attractions closed early today due to widespread snow in the Harrogate district. Here’s a look back at what happened.

6.04pm: Bus diversion

https://twitter.com/harrogatebus/status/1755649562037862600

5.52pm: No reports of rush hour travel woes

Rail operator Northern has not reported any delays and we are unaware of any major issues on the roads at rush hour. Do let us know if you know otherwise so we can spread the word. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5.28pm: Angel of Killinghall

Five-year-old Sofia Grace has been making the most of the snow in Killinghall. Here she is making snow angels and riding the exercise machine in the village park.

Thanks to her mother Simon Beckett and Melanie Beckett for sending them, do keep sending us your photos to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

5.10pm: Gritters out!

North Yorkshire Council has posted on social media that its fleet of gritters is out tonight.

 

5.04pm: Did highways gritting chief come a cropper on ungritted road?

You may have seen our post earlier in this blog about Cllr Keane Duncan, the executive member for highways at North Yorkshire Council and mayoral hopeful, coming off the road near Pateley Bridge in his campervan this morning,

It appears the road is one not gritted by the council. You can read more here.

4.29pm: Deeper snow in Nidderdale

This post on X shows a fair dollop of snow has settled at Greenhow, near Pateley Bridge.

https://twitter.com/juliatetley/status/1755609043090178543

4.03pm: Children making the most of the snow

The fresh snow is heaven for children, and Tobias, seen here, is making the most of it. Do send us your photos and updates by emailing us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

3.31pm: Two-year-old Tobias enjoying the snow

Tobias, 2, is enjoying the snow in Birstwith.

His family sent us this photo.

Pic: Ann Taylor.

2.46pm: Harrogate College announces early closure and cancelled event

Harrogate College took to social media to say the college will close at 3pm today.

It also said, “due to the heavy snow”, tonight’s Apprenticeship Open Event has been cancelled.

2.21pm: Road conditions worsen towards Harrogate

A nearby resident, who sent us the photos below, told us traffic coming into Harrogate on the A61 is “crawling” from Almsford Bank towards the Oatlands crossroads.

She said road conditions have “got worse” in a short space of time.

2.06pm: Snow sees no sign of easing in Harrogate

Snow is continuing to fall around Harrogate. This is on Leeds Road, where it sees no sign of easing soon.

2.02pm: Further update about Springwater School

Chris Watt provided another update about Springwater School, in Starbeck. He posted this on X and tagged the Stray Ferret.

@thestrayferret @HgateAdvertiser Further update from Springwater School #Starbeck: *weather update*
Further transport providers have asked to collect children early, please contact your child or young persons transport to confirm what time your child will arrive home.

— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) February 8, 2024

1.49pm: Oatlands Infant School to close at 2pm

Oatlands Infant School, in Harrogate, is closing at 2pm today.

1.45pm: Early collection at Bilton Grange Primary 

Parents can collect children from Bilton Grange Primary School early this afternoon. Pick-up began at 1pm.

1.41pm: 2pm collection at Springwater School

Thanks to Chris Watt for posting this on X about Springwater School in Starbeck and tagging us.

@thestrayferret Springwater School in #Starbeck have provided the following snow update: Dignity minibuses and IPT buses have let us know that they will be collecting children at 2pm – please make arrangements to be home to collect your children and young people early.

— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) February 8, 2024

 

1.36pm: View at highest point in the district

How is it looking at Greenhow Hill, near Pateley Bridge — the highest point in the Harrogate district? Here’s the latest from North Yorkshire Council’s live weathercam.

 

1.16pm: Starbeck Primary Academy allows early collection

Thanks to Starbeck resident Chris Watt for the update. Do let us know how things are where you are so we can update this blog.

@thestrayferret @StarbeckPrimary are allowing parents to collect their children early if they are concerned about travel, but are currently remaining open as normal. #Starbeck

— Chris Watt (@ChrisWatt4) February 8, 2024

1.10pm: Dogs having fun in Harrogate

Snow is settling — and dogs are enjoying it.

1.01pm: Weather warning across UK

The Met Office has published this image showing most of the country is affected by weather warnings for snow, ice and rain.

12.52pm: Harrogate High School to close too

Harrogate High School contacted the Stray Ferret to say it will be closing at 1pm today.

12.47pm: Tory mayoral candidate runs into a spot of bother…

The snow has also caused problems for Tory mayoral candidate, Keane Duncan, who is currently taking on a 100-day campervan trip around North Yorkshire.

Mr Duncan took to social media after Peggy, his van, got stuck in the mud near Lofthouse.

He said the “heroic efforts” of two Lofthouse locals meant he and Peggy were back on the road quickly after.

Pic: Keane Duncan on X, formerly Twitter.

12.40pm: Nidderdale High School

Nidderdale High School is closing at 12.45pm today.

12.37pm: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, in Harrogate, closed at 11.45am today.

It took to social media to say this was to “ensure the safety of all our visitors, staff and volunteers”.

12.30pm: Harrogate Grammar School

Harrogate Grammar School is officially closing at 1.15pm.

12.30pm: Rossett School

Rossett School is also closing at 1.15pm.

12.30pm: St Aidan’s School

St Aidan’s School said it is officially closing at 1.30pm.

Outwood Academy in Ripon, Ripon Grammar School and Boroughbridge High School all said they had no plans to close early.

Snow

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Another cyclist knocked off bike in Harrogate collision

A cyclist was knocked off his bike in a collision with a vehicle in Harrogate yesterday (Tuesday, February 6).

North Yorkshire Police, which is now appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage, said the incident happened at around 7.30am on the B6161 Oaker Bank.

Both the cyclist and the car were travelling towards the Jubilee Roundabout prior to the collision, the force added.

Police today said:

“The car driver did not stop at the scene.

“The vehicle is believed to be a white Volkswagen Golf, 2014-2019 model. A wing mirror light bar and cover were detached during the collision, and so the car will have distinctive damage to its wing mirror.”

Officers said the cyclist, a man in his 40s, was “not seriously injured”. They added:

“If you were the car driver involved, please contact North Yorkshire Police.

“In addition, anyone who witnessed the collision, recognises the car involved, or is aware of a VW Golf with wing mirror damage, is asked to get in touch.

“Please email david.minto@northyorkshire.police.uk, or call 101, quoting reference 12240022993.”

This is the fourth incident of its kind in less than two months.

It follows a spate of separate incidents, which saw three cyclists knocked off their bikes in Harrogate in just one month.

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Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall retains Michelin star rating

Fine-dining restaurant Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall has retained its Michelin star ranking for the fourth year running.

The restaurant, which is one of five dining options at the hotel, received the award at The Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2024 ceremony last night.

It opened in July 2019, with Mr Rankin as chef patron and was awarded its first Michelin star in June 2020, followed by four AA rosettes last September.

Mr Rankin said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to hear that we have retained our Michelin star for a fourth year running. This is a true testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team and it’s truly humbling to have our hard work recognised.”

Mr Rankin was awarded his first Michelin star in 2005.

Michelin Guide recognitions in the Harrogate district

Several Harrogate district restaurants were featured in this year’s official Michelin Guide.

Fletchers, which is also at Grantley Hall, was among those, as well as Samuel’s at Swinton Park.

Paradise Food, located at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall, and The Alice Hawthorn in Nun Monkton were also recognised in the guide.

The Lime Tree Inn in Great Ouseburn, Goldsborough Hall and Where there’s Smoke in Masham were also all featured.

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Harrogate Town manager and winger nominated for Sky Bet awards

Harrogate Town AFC manager, Simon Weaver, and winger, Abraham Odoh, have both been nominated for Sky Bet League Two awards.

Weaver, who has been the club’s manager since 2009, has been shortlisted for the manager of the month award after a successful run that has taken the team into the promotion reckoning.

The English Football League said Weaver has gained momentum in the second half of last season and “continues to gather pace in North Yorkshire”, adding:

“The momentum gained in the second half of last season continues to gather pace in North Yorkshire.

“Weaver has made light of recent injuries to guide his side calmly into the promotion race with 10 points from four unbeaten matches.”

Lee Bell of Crewe Alexandra, Graham Coughlan of Newport County and Karl Robinson of Salford City are all up for the manager of the month award.

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Abraham Odoh, 23, who joined the club last summer following a spell at Rochdale, is one of four players up for the Player of the Month award.

The EFL said although he is a winger Mr Odoh “pops up all across the Harrogate front line” and “takes on defenders at will”. It added:

“Witness his stunning solo goal against Doncaster and a fine assist at Forest Green. Two goals and two assists in four games.”

Wrexham’s Steven Fletcher, Notts County’s Jodi Jones and Danilo Orsi of Crawley Town are also among those nominated for the award.

Harrogate Town are currently eighth in the league.

The team will play Colchester United at home on Saturday.

Business Breakfast: Harrogate Food and Drink Company to cater the MOBO Awards

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Don’t miss out and click here to book your tickets now for the awards night on March 14 2024. 

Harrogate Food and Drink Company has landed a catering contract for the MOBO Awards this week.

The company will spend four days providing the catering for artists, crew and media at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.

The MOBO Awards, which launched in 1996, celebrates hip hop, grime, R’n’B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel and African music.

Artists such as Central Cee, Dave, Stormzy, Jorja Smith and RAYE are among those nominated for a MOBO this year.

Andi Aikman, owner of the Harrogate Food and Drink Company, said:

“This is not our first rodeo. This is undoubtedly a massive event for us, but we regularly cater for big events with equally as demanding customers.

“The priority is to ensure that all the hardworking contributors to these awards are fed regularly – they need their energy.”

Harrogate hairstylist shortlisted for national award

Luan Barlow, owner of Harrogate-based Luan Hairstylist Extensions Bridal, has been shortlisted for two awards at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Ms Barlow is a finalist in the Best Bridal Individual and Hair Extension Specialist categories.

She said:

“I am completely overwhelmed once again, my small business has grown so quickly in such a short space of time, and now for the second year running I am a finalist in one of the most prestigious hair and beauty awards!

“Not only for one category this year but for two which is an incredible achievement. I cannot wait to see where my business will be in the next few years and I’m proud to be representing small businesses in Harrogate.”

Knaresborough energy company to sponsor local 10k run

Harmony Energy, a renewable energy company in Knaresborough, is set to sponsor the Burton Leonard 10k and 3k races.

The event, which began more than 30 years ago, will raise money for Ripon Community House, which provides emergency food parcels those in need locally, as well as the village school.

Peter Kavanagh, chief executive office of Harmony Energy, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting such a brilliant local event. It will be great to see people of all ages taking part and enjoying the day.

“Sport and fitness are vital to people and to communities, and we’re delighted to support local races like this.”

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Floods heighten concerns about state of Harrogate district drains and gullies

Harrogate district residents have expressed concerns about the state of local drains and gullies.

Recent storms have led to flooding and although water levels are high, the Stray Ferret has had a flurry of messages from readers who feel the infrastructure to deal with rain is inadequate.

Paul Kelley said Slingsby Walk in Harrogate had been turned into a stream and residents were having to take action. He said:

“For many months, indeed years in others’ experience, excess water runs off the Stray and creates a stream along Slingsby Walk footpath and on St James Drive where it floods at the lowest point.

“Residents are having to run a floodwatch, involving at times hourly clearance of debris from the few functioning gullies. On occasions this involves standing in the road at night or hacking ice away and risking slipping.

“Both the excess water and ice are hazards to walkers, cyclists, and motorists. The route is a designated cycleway! An accident is waiting to happen.”

Mr Kelley said he and his neighbours had highlighted the issue to a councillor but were “not getting anywhere”.

He added:

“The only significant thing to have happened, after months of asking, is a gully wagon was allegedly sent out last week.

“Well at least one, opposite me, is still full of debris!”

‘Foul water bubbling up’ near Pannal

Robert Newton said he saw “toilet paper and other stuff” flowing among the flooded areas near Almsford Bank in Pannal.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“[This] then ran down across the public footpath and into the River Crimple.

“We hear all the time about sewage in our watercourses, but for this to flow right across where people walk and take their dogs and kids really surprised me. I would have thought this was a public health issue.

“There is obviously something seriously amiss as the foul water is bubbling up from underground all around the main outfall area.”

The Stray Ferret has received several other emails raising similar concerns.

The flooded Pannal footpath.

Officers ‘work tirelessly’ to keep gullies clean

North Yorkshire Council’s highways area manager, Melisa Burnham, said in response to the concerns:

“Our officers work tirelessly throughout the year to keep gullies clean and operational. We have a programme of regular cleaning, which check that they are fully functioning and can involve clearing the pipes.

“Many parts of the country have experienced exceptional levels of rainfall in recent days and following a prolonged wet period the ground is already saturated and prone to standing water.

“In several places across North Yorkshire, flooding occurred in areas with clean and well-maintained drainage systems. When we get significant heavy rainfall such as this, the gullies and the drainage system can’t cope with the volume of rainwater.

“In places such as Stray Rein, we see significant run-off from the Stray. However, in this instance the gullies and pipework coped extremely well, with no reports of flooded properties.”

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‘I didn’t go on The Apprentice to be an influencer, I’m a serious businesswoman’

Some readers may have recognised one of the candidates on last night’s episode of The Apprentice on BBC One.

Rachel Woolford, who is originally from Leeds, owns Harrogate’s North Studio and was one of 18 hopefuls on the latest series.

The Cold Bath Road site, which opened in January 2023, offers small group fitness classes, including running, reformer pilates, boxing and HIIT workouts.

You might be wondering why Rachel applied to be on the show, on which the lucky winner receives a £250,000 investment from Lord Alan Sugar.

The Stray Ferret found out today when we spoke to Rachel. She said:

“I was originally asked to go on a similar show a few years ago, but I turned it down at the time.

“As a fan of The Apprentice, it led me to applying for it – I felt it aligned with my plans better.”

Rachel, who made her debut on the show’s first episode last night, said she “wanted to prove to herself she could do something like the show” when applying.

The 28-year-old set up her first North Studio site in Roundhay near Leeds in 2020, after which she opened the second premises in Harrogate. She added:

“I do have a successful business, but there was something in me that wanted to prove I could do something like that.

“It’s easy for people to say what people should do on the show when they’re watching it, but going on it is harder than it looks.”

She told the Stray Ferret, if she won, she’d use the investment to “expand across the north” and hoped to roll out more sites in York or Manchester. Rachel said:

“My business plan going in was to promote and expand North Studio.

“It’s about making sure we provide a consistent service to roll out in the new locations.

“North provides a very personal group workout, the whole point is for it to give clients a setting of being remembered and known.

“It’s not an intimidating or competitive environment. It’s fun and I want fitness to be something people look forward to – a social thing – rather than dread. Inclusivity is my biggest thing; anyone is welcome.”

North Studio on Cold Bath Road, Harrogate. Pic: North Studio Facebook.

Rachel attended four interviews, which included profit and loss tasks, working with others and proving why she should be chosen out of tens-of-thousands of applicants. She said:

“I personally think it was quite a rigorous interview process, but I think that’s necessary looking back now.

“They basically ask about your business, like why you’re different and why you should be picked. I know there were tens of thousands of applicants and people are all going to say the same thing.

“You’ve got to show your personality, but also that you’re a serious person in business.

“I didn’t go on to be a reality TV star or an influencer, I went on because I’m a serious businesswoman.”

Filming took place at the beginning of 2023. The only thing standing in her way of winning was 17 other people, all hungry for the same prize.

Rachel Woolford (R) and her fellow candidates on The Apprentice. Pic: BBC Pictures

Rachel (right) and the other candidates in last night’s episode. Pic: BBC Pictures.

Boardroom is ‘the craziest thing ever’

Those readers who have watched the show will have a good idea of what Lord Sugar’s boardroom looks like.

When asked if it is really like it seems on screen, Rachel said:

“The boardroom is as tense as it seems. The first time we went in, you could hear each other’s hearts beating.

“It’s also the first time you all see each other, including Karen, Tim and Lord Sugar.

“I’ve never done TV before, so not only are you thrown into the boardroom and all individually asked about your business – which wasn’t actually shown last night – you’ve also got five cameras on your face. It’s the craziest thing ever.

“The cameras just keep rolling.”

Rachel said candidates are not allowed to discuss the process outside of filming, meaning they “genuinely don’t know who has won each task”.

It’s so nerve-wracking going in there, she said, adding “but it’s just an amazing feeling hearing you’ve won the task”.

Show myths

Some readers assume parts of the programme are staged. But Rachel said:

“The corporate clients really do exist in those tasks! I don’t know who the boys had, but ours was a hotel company that took their staff on a company away day.

“Honestly, you’re told what the task is and then thrown straight into it. You film for around two to three days and then it’s straight into the boardroom.”

Candidates don’t have phones, there’s no access to the internet and they are forced to use their initiative on the spot, she added.

Traditionally, candidates are woken up by a phone call at ungodly hours of the morning and given around 20 minutes to get ready before leaving for a task.

Asked if it’s really such a time crunch, Rachel said:

“We live in the house the whole time – eat, sleep etc.

“You really do have so little time to get ready, you have around 20 minutes.

“The girls learned to get your dress out the night before, curl your hair the night before and get your make up on as quick as possible in the morning before leaving.

“Let’s just say it got to points where 5am was a lie in.”

The truth about Lord Sugar

The 76-year-old billionaire, who has been the face of the programme for 19 years, is known for his no-nonsense attitude and, at times, ruthless honesty towards the candidates.

We asked Rachel what he is really like:

“We only interacted with him when filming, but he’s just like what you see on camera.

“He’s very honest, which I really respect and like. He is so sharp and can easily pick up if you’ve said something that’s not true.”

Baroness Karren Brady, who has been an aide for Lord Sugar since 2010, follows candidates on their tasks, alongside Tim Campbell, who won the first series of  the show.

Rachel said they’re “both really great and very fair”, adding they’re not on the tasks to help, but simply to “watch and give feedback”.

“They also give credit when it’s due if you’ve done something good, but they’ll also tell Lord Sugar straight away if someone tries to say something that’s not true.”

Rachel Woolford and the girls on The Apprentice celebrating their win. Pic: BBC Pictures

Rachel (centre in green) and the girls celebrating their success last night. Pic: BBC Pictures.

‘It’s changed my life’

Rachel said the biggest challenge she faced during the process was being away from her business and her friends and family. However, she said it has had a huge impact on her life since:

“It’s changed my life. It’s not even about it airing – even if it hadn’t been on TV it would still have changed my life.

“It made me step away from my business, which no one could ever usually make me do. It made me think about what I wanted to change in the business, where I wanted to take it and majorly took me out of my comfort zone.

“It takes serious balls to do.”

Although Rachel could not reveal much about what is to come on the series, she said it “certainly takes some turns”.

Viewers should take it with a pinch of salt, she said, adding candidates “should not be defined by the first take – there’s more to come”.

We also asked Rachel what advice she’d give to anyone wanting to apply:

“Make sure you’re applying for the right reasons, and make sure you prepare for the interviews because it is a lot more challenging than it appears on TV.”

Following the girls’ team success last night, you can watch Rachel again on The Apprentice next week.

It airs every Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.

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MPs Watch: Rwanda bill, Post Office scandal and rough sleeping in Harrogate

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In January, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill passed its third reading, while special educational needs were found to be North Yorkshire Council’s biggest financial challenge.

Here’s what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:

When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent details of his engagements in January.

They included an on-site visit in Knaresborough with Northern Powergrid and a meeting with North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive, Richard Flinton.

Mr Jones also met with Health Secretary Victoria Atkins to discuss Harrogate NHS Foundation Trust’s plans for Harrogate hospital, including the removal of RAAC.

He also asked the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Secretary about sustaining a competitive grassroots environment in sports with a smaller following.

Mr Jones signed the Holocaust Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, and also attended an event with the National Autistic Society.

He met with Richard Sheriff, chief executive of Red Kite Learning Trust, to discuss SEND, and attended the annual holocaust service at Harrogate Synagogue.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

We contacted Mr Smith to see if he would like to share any particular highlights. His office responded with a review of his January engagements.

These included visits to Evolve Ripon and Roecliffe CE Primary School.

Mr Smith also met Tynisha Adby, chief executive of Ripon-based Visible Autism, to discuss her work to help people with autism.

He also held regular surgery appointments across Skipton and Ripon.

His office also said Mr Smith welcomes the news that North Yorkshire Council is one of 11 local authorities to share in £55 million to research health inequalities and improve health outcomes in local areas. His office added he was “really pleased” to see the funding coming through.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.

In Selby and Ainsty, which includes parts of south Harrogate, here is what we found on Labour MP Keir Mather:

When we contacted Mr Mather for comment, his office sent details of his engagements for January.

They included appearing on Politics North, during which he outlined Labour’s plan to tackle knife crime, as well as welcoming UK export finance to the constituency and discussed how it can support local businesses.

Mr Mather also spoke in a Westminster Hall debate on fairness for farmers.

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Ripon singer serenades couple’s romantic Harrogate engagement

A Ripon musician serenaded a couple during a surprise marriage proposal outside The Blues Bar in Harrogate last Friday.

Singer and guitarist Freddie Cleary was asked by Conor Walsh, the soon-to-be-groom from Newcastle, to be a part of a secret proposal during a weekend trip to Harrogate with his now fiancé, Ashley.

Conor took to social media to find a singer who could pose as a busker and then perform Ashley’s favourite song while he got down on one knee.

Freddie, who is well known locally, told the Stray Ferret:

“Last month I saw a post from Conor on Facebook asking for a busker.

“He was planning an engagement proposal and wanted it to be in Harrogate.

“He had never been to the town before and wanted to see if he could hire a ‘busker’ to just be playing random songs and, as they arrived, to play a specific song on request, Waiting for Superman by Daughtry, which has a special meaning to both him and Ashley.”

Conor Walsh pops the question outside the Blues Bar. Pic: LS Photography.

Freddie said he helped Conor choose a location in the town, adding it was a “no brainer” to select the Blues Bar on Montpellier Parade bar, a live music venue where he regularly performs.

Noticing Freddie being photographed while performing outside the bar as they arrived, Ashley said she “just assumed he was having promo pictures taken”.

She told the Stray Ferret she was then left “completely speechless” when Freddie played the song and Conor got down on one knee. She said:

“We’re not the type of people that care about aesthetics, so it was just the perfect engagement.

“It was just us listening to live music – which we always like to do – and I didn’t even realise anyone was watching until they started cheering.

“I couldn’t have asked for it to have been better.”

Pic: LS Photography.

The couple also said they were so impressed by Freddie they have already planned for him to be part of their wedding day.

They had not visited Harrogate before the engagement, they said, but added it now holds a “special place in our hearts”.

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Grane Coffee and Bakery opens in Harrogate

The newest addition to Harrogate‘s coffee shop scene opened its doors today.

Grane Coffee and Bakery, located on Station Parade in a unit formerly occupied by The Chocolate Works, serves a range of coffee, tea, baked goods and sandwiches.

Owner Rod Hardman previously told the Stray Ferret it would be “arguably the coolest and most stylish boutique bakery” the town has to offer.

Following a £150,000 refurbishment, Mr Hardman today said he has brought to life the “sleek Scandinavian-style shop” he hoped for, adding:

“We were working 16-to-18-hour days to turn it around.

“I wanted a cool looking shop and I think we’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve.”

Grane is Mr Hardman’s first hospitality venture, after previously working in fashion for the likes of Flannels and Hugo Boss.

The shop features a £10,000 coffee machine, which Mr Hardman said was shipped over from Naples, as well as a mural of fashion brands he previously worked with or sold.

When asked why he opened the shop, he said:

“When I worked in fashion, the number one question we’d always get asked when serving customers was, ‘where can we find a nice coffee round here?’, and we never had a good one to recommend.

“I felt there was a lack of good quality coffee, so that’s what we’re bringing.”

A wide range of ingredients and foods are also on offer to buy at Grane.

These include a variety of pastas, including Dolce & Gabbana pasta, Italian sauces, Asian condiments, and sweet treats, such as chocolate and flavoured popcorn.

Mr Hardman, who is originally from Leeds but now lives in Masham, added:

“I feel people don’t really talk in coffee shops anymore. I wanted to inspire them while they’re here.

“People can order a coffee and then shop for different produce, like the tomato sauces for example, and when they sit down they can feel inspired to cook a delicious meal using them that evening.”

Mr Hardman said the reception to his venture had so far been “unreal”:

“We had 25 customers within the first hour and a half – it has been unreal.

“On Sunday, when we were here at around midnight, a lady and her daughter were crossing the road, and I heard the daughter say ‘how cool does that look?’ and pointed at the shop”

Grane Coffee and Bakery is open Tuesday to Sunday.

The coffee shop and store opens at 8am — with the bakery opening at 9am — until 5pm.

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