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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Knaresborough man campaigns against Harrogate firefighter cuts

A Knaresborough man has launched a campaign to stop four firefighters stationed in Harrogate losing their jobs in April.

Neil Smith, 55, said “people’s lives are at risk” because of the cuts, which will see the number of nighttime fire engines based in Harrogate from two to one.

The job losses, which are expected to save £210,000, are part of plans by Zoe Metcalfe, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, to put greater emphasis on fire prevention.

The Stray Ferret revealed the news earlier this month, which prompted Mr Smith to set up the Facebook group Community Action Group Harrogate/Knaresborough/Ripon in the hope of rallying others who opposed the changes.

Mr Smith told the Stray Ferret he had a meeting scheduled with Ms Metcalfe next month.

He said:

“I want to know where her head is at. She is putting people’s lives at risk doing this.

“There were several fire engines at the scene following the incident at Bettys this week, one even from Tadcaster, so what will we do in those kinds of situations when there’s less firemen and less fire engines?”

Mr Smith also said he was considering a protest outside Harrogate Fire Station to “make a stance” against the decision. He added:

“The Facebook group currently has 82 members, which is good, but I want to get to 100 before putting the idea of a protest forward.

“Nothing is planned yet but I won’t be holding back.”

He said new housing developments in the area could “bring thousands of new residents and an increased demand for the fire service”. He added:

“I’m doing this because I feel there is going to be a lack of services.

“This is the power of the people. I strongly urge people to get behind me on this.”

The Stray Ferret revealed in 2022 that Ms Metcalfe planned to shed frontline firefighting jobs as part of her 2022 to 2025 Risk and Resource model, which outlined how the service would deploy its resources.

Scarborough is also due to lose four firefighters next year, which will save another £215,000.

A further seven posts for what are described as “operational staffing reserves” will also be lost in April 2025, saving a further £375,000.

The changes at Harrogate Fire Station

Harrogate Fire Station currently has one fire engine, which can respond to all callouts, and a smaller tactical response vehicle – both of which operate day and night.

The tactical response vehicle is set to be replaced by a bigger fire engine. However, it will only be crewed during the day.

The Risk and Resource Model claims more fires happen during the day, and having two fire engines means Harrogate will have better protection at key times.

However, the second vehicle won’t be staffed between 10pm and 9am, which could put greater dependence on on-call firefighters in places like Knaresborough.

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Business Breakfast: The Harlow in Harrogate appoints clinical lead

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. 

The Harlow, a therapy clinic in Harrogate, has appointed a new clinical lead.

Psychotherapeutic counsellor Hannah Woodruff previously worked at crisis support text service Shout.

Ms Woodruff, who is taking over from psychotherapeutic counsellor Marianne Downie, said:

“My vision for The Harlow is to continue to build a strong team of psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, coaches, and allied health professionals so we can provide exactly the right individualised support for you.

“I am also keen to provide these services to people who would not normally be able to access them as I strongly believe everyone deserves the best possible care.”

Ms Woodruff also said she was passionate about making mental health support accessible from a young age.

Harrogate Ladies’ College in top school guide

Harrogate Ladies’ College has been named among the top 10 independent schools in the north.

The guide rates the top performing secondary schools based on post-pandemic exam results.

The school’s principal, Sylvia Brett, said:

“Re-entering the regional top 10 list is a noteworthy accomplishment and shows that we are making significant strides in academic excellence.”

LNER receives top employer status

LNER, which operates trains between Harrogate and London King’s Cross, has been named a UK top employer by the Top Employers institute.

This is the fifth year the firm has received the recognition.

Claire Ansley, LNER people director, said:

“To have now won this award for five years in row is a wonderful achievement.”

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Harrogate industrial site Millennium Park for sale at £1 million

A 1.32-acre commercial and industrial site in Harrogate has been put on the market for offers in the region of £1 million.

Millennium Park, on Claro Road, currently has a single-storey office building with stores, as well as an adjoining single storey workshop building.

It is next to Howarth Timber & Building Supplies and a Dulux Decorator Centre.

Leeds-based commercial property firm Walker Singleton, which is listing the site, anticipates the existing buildings would be demolished as part of a wholesale redevelopment.

A site plan of Millennium Park, which is entered from Claro Road.

Paul Diakiw, director at Walker Singleton, said:

“Millennium Park is anticipated to be a popular site due to its good location and strong commercial and investment appeal.

“It is a rare proposition in Harrogate and will inevitably be of interest to developers for industrial and commercial development, albeit there is also likely to be interest from owner-occupiers for continued use as a yard and who may look to utilise the existing buildings.”

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate wealth management firm rebrands

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. 

Cardale Asset Management has been rebranded by Titan Wealth Group.

The Harrogate firm, now known as Titan Private Wealth, offers equity based investment services and provides portfolio management to private clients, pension schemes, charities and corporates.

Mark Puleikis, chief executive at Titan Private Wealth, said:

“This is an exciting new chapter for the team.

“Thanks to Titan Wealth’s support, we will accelerate our growth and continue to operate a dynamic business model, ensuring we can move quickly to maximise opportunities for our clients.”

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub offers start-up advice

York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub has partnered with Lifted Ventures to bring start-ups and early-stage businesses advice.

North Yorkshire Stars will offer workshops and virtual events on business plans, legal advice and funding to help local businesses better prepare for investment.

Simon Middleton, delivery manager for the Growth Hub, said:

“If you’re a business owner and you want to raise finance but you’re unsure where to go or what information you should prepare, these workshops are for you. We look forward to hearing from you.”

Harrogate accountant publishes first novel

Tom Rhodes, a partner at accountancy firm Lithgow Perkins, has published his first novel.

The Awakening of Speros is a fantasy tale aimed at teenagers and young adults.

The former Rossett School pupil said:

“Writing is an escapism for me. It’s about as far removed from accountancy as possible.

“I really enjoy my day job, but I also love escaping into a different world with my writing.

“I tend to write fantasy because I like that you can make up your own rules and get lost in what you want to happen in your story.”

It is available to buy now as an E-book on Amazon or in Castlegate Books in Knaresborough.

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No end in sight for traffic lights near Ripley

Two-way traffic lights on Fountains Road look set to remain in place for several weeks.

The lights were installed following several heavy rainstorms in December, as one part of the road (pictured), which runs between Ripley and Sawley, is notorious for flooding.

However, despite recent dry weather, there is no sign of the lights being removed imminently.

The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council how long the lights were expected to remain, as well as what long-term flood prevention measures will be put in place on the road. A spokesperson responded:

“Before the traffic lights are removed, we must jet the gullies and inspect the carrier drain.

“Officers hope to be on site in the next few weeks.”

The spokesperson did not provide a timeframe and said the authority will “provide an update closer to the time and when works are ongoing”.

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Amazon rom-com filmed in Harrogate to be released next month

An Amazon MGM Studios production starring Camila Mendes, which was partly filmed in Harrogate, is due to be released next month.

Upgraded, which tells the story of an aspiring art intern who sparks up a romance on a work trip, was shot in the town in the summer of 2022.

A spokesperson for the production company told the Stray Ferret scenes were shot at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel, which “doubles as a posh London hotel”, as well as The Mercer Art Gallery, on Swan Road.

Upgraded Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Paul Stephenson

Camila Mendes (L) and Marisa Tomei. Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Paul Stephenson

It appears the scenes shot in Harrogate will pass off as London in the film. Asked why Harrogate was chosen, the spokesperson said:

“Harrogate a beautiful Yorkshire spa town with lovely architecture that can easily double for London.”

Part of the Stray was also used to film a football match scene.

The crew was spotted filming on the Stray in August 2022.

The Stray Ferret reported on the production at the time of filming after American-Brazilian actress Camila Mendes, the leading lady, was spotted in the town.

Ms Mendes, who starred as Veronica Lodge in Netflix’s Riverdale, is joined by British actor Archie Renaux, as well as Marisa Tomei who featured in the Spider-Man franchise and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Upgraded will be released on Prime Video on February 9.

The trailer is available to watch on Youtube now.

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Business Breakfast: Harrogate car firm appoints managing director

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!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Harrogate-based Synergy Car Leasing has appointed a managing director.

Will Voisey, who will be taking on the role, has worked at the company for more than 10 years after starting out as a sales account manager. He brings two decades of industry experience to the role.

Mr Voisey said:

“Synergy has a great team of people and a strong leadership team, and we are well placed to deliver our next stage of growth.

“As a long-standing employee of Synergy, I am excited to be building on our success to date.”

Harrogate travel agent makes first hire since covid

TravelGate, on Harrogate’s Albert Street, has hired Lizzie Anthony as a travel consultant.

Ms Anthony, who previously worked as cabin crew for Emirates Airline, is the firm’s first hire since the pandemic.

Phil O’Boyle, joint founder and director of TravelGate, said:

“Lizzie brings a real enthusiasm, energy and passion for travel. Her previous role as cabin crew for Emirates Airline gave her the opportunity to travel extensively and develop her knowledge of many destinations.”

Northern appoints chief operating officer 

Northern has appointed one of Network Rail’s route directors as its chief operating officer.

Matt Rice, who lives in York, will succeed Tricia Williams, who is stepping into the managing director role.

Mr Rice will lead all Northern service and engineering functions across the north of England in his new role. He said:

“I have spent my career focused on making things better and I am committed to fostering a positive workplace culture for all and delivering great rail services for people across the north of England.”

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Increase in number of arrests in Christmas drink and drug drive campaign

The Harrogate district saw the highest number of arrests in the county once again during North Yorkshire Police’s winter drink and drug drive campaign.

A total of 731 roadside tests were completed in North Yorkshire during December, with 18.5% of those testing positive to being over the limit for drink or drug driving — a 6.9% increase from the year prior.

Of those arrested, 76% were male and 24% were female.

Police attributed the increase to a “more targeted approach to catching drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.

The results, which were published today, show 21% of arrests were made in the Harrogate district. Last year 33 of 121 countywide arrests during the campaign were made in the district.

Scarborough (19%) and York (16%) accounted for the most arrests this year after Harrogate.

Police said the reason drivers were stopped and asked to provide a sample including committing a moving traffic offence (522), suspicion (138) and being involved in a collision (71).

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There were no drink or drug related fatal collisions throughout the period of the campaign.

The highest reading taken during a roadside test was 118. The offender was given a 28-month disqualification and a fine at York Magistrates Court.

Chief inspector Alex Butterfield, from specialist operations, said in a statement:

“When it comes to catching those who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the public is key and I want to thank every single person who provided information.

“Serious conversations can be difficult or awkward but they may just save a life.

“I would urge you to start a conversation around driving under the influence with family and friends, especially if you have young or inexperienced drivers in your household.”

Police urged anyone that suspects a person may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to dial 101 or 999 if the risk is imminent.

Stargazing and planet-spotting on offer in Nidderdale as part of Dark Skies Festival

Two Nidderdale attractions are set to offer special stargazing and planet-spotting evenings as part of the National Parks Dark Skies Festival next month.

The festival celebrates the darkness over the country’s national parks and aims to educate people on the stars above.

Stumps Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge is among those taking part.

It will be holding cave tours throughout the festival, which explain how underground caves are used to train astronauts. Visitors will also be able to use on-site telescopes to see the stars.

There will also be a stargazing evening on February 16, which will include a presentation on how to spot celestial bodies in the sky and how to preserve the dark skies.

The event is for people aged five and above. Tickets start at £5.

Lime Tree Observatory, Grewelthorpe

The Lime Tree Observatory in Grewelthorpe, near Masham, will also be opening its doors – as well as the ceiling of its observatory – during the festival.

A Guide to the Heavens will be a family-friendly tour of the solar system, whereby people can learn all about planets, moons and stars in the planetarium.

In addition, people can also look forward to using the telescopes to view the stars and the sky. However, organisers did say this part of the evening is weather-dependent.

The event will take place over four evenings: Monday, February 12, Tuesday, February 13, Thursday, February 15 and Friday, February 16.

It will run from 6pm – 8pm.

Tickets, which cost £12, will be available to buy from Saturday, January 13.

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The National Parks Dark Skies festival covers four protected landscapes: the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Nidderdale National Landscape  and the Howardian Hills National Landscape.

For those a little further afield, there is also a starry night watercolour workshop in Helmsley, a guided walking tour of Rievaulx Abbey and a dark skies-themed trail at Sutton Bank.

Derek Twine, member champion for promoting understanding at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:

“While enjoyment and discovery are at the heart of the festival, it’s also a reminder to us all of the vital need to do everything we can to protect one of nature’s greatest wonders, the night sky, from light pollution so that we can help safeguard the natural world as well as our own health and wellbeing.”

The festival will run nationwide from February 9 to February 25.