It has undoubtedly been a tough year for businesses across the Harrogate district as the effects of the pandemic have continued to be felt.

There have been a number of closures over the year. However, 2021 has also seen some businesses buck the trend, with new shops opening in the district.

Here is a look back at some of the notable business closures and launches in the last year.

Debenhams, Harrogate

For generations, the Debenhams building on Parliament Street has been one of the major retail landmarks in Harrogate.

But sadly at the start of 2021, as the country was in the grip of a third lockdown, the retail giant announced the town’s branch would not be reopening.

The site had been a retail unit on Parliament Street for over a century. Before Debenhams, it housed the Buckley’s and Busby’s stores.

The building has stood empty ever since its closure.

However, in December the Stray Ferret revealed that developers have submitted plans to demolish it and build 50 apartments on the site, along with two commercial units.

Aldi, Knaresborough

Knaresborough Aldi

A new Aldi supermarket opened its doors to customers in Knaresborough on January 28.

The 8,000 square metre site was built on Swallowtail Way, near the Manse Farm housing development on York Road, after plans were approved in May 2020.

Solita Food Hall, Harrogate

Solita Food Hall

Harrogate’s first food hall opened its doors in May with an aim to serve up a range of different cuisines under one roof.

Solita Food Hall, on Parliament Street, was located in the former Jamie’s Italian building and was set over two floors, including a rooftop terrace.

Under the Shoot the Bull brand, it housed Rupert’s Coffee House, Rotisserie & Grill, Solita Wagyu Burger, Slice Me Nicely Pizza, Cure & Pour Wines and Solita Fish Bar.

However, it wasn’t around for long, closing after just six months in November.

Tomahawk Steakhouse, which had been planning to move into the empty Bistrot Pierre restaurant on Cheltenham Parade, is now planning to move into the large building.

Cut by Farmison & Co, Ripon

Farmison & Co’s boutique butcher shop, Cut

Cut, online butcher Farmison & Co’s first physical shop, opened at the company’s Bondgate Green head office in Ripon in July.

The boutique butcher’s is aimed at showcasing “the crown jewels” of Yorkshire heritage breed meat and allows customers to select from the online range and collect within an hour of placing an order.

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Fi:k, Harrogate and Knaresborough

Vicky Somerville and Luke Morland of Fi:k outside the new café in Harrogate

A Swedish-inspired coffee shop opened its doors in Harrogate in August with ambitious £780,000 plans to roll out the concept across Yorkshire.

Fi:k has renovated 1 Montpellier Gardens, which used to be the home of furniture business Covet.

In December it opened a café on Knaresborough Market Place.

Hotel Chocolat

Queues at the launch of the new Hotel Chocolat store

Queues formed on James Street for the opening of the new, relocated Hotel Chocolat store. Around 30 people waited for the store to open on October 22, with staff serving hot chocolate to them whilst they waited.

The new store is almost opposite the old one, but is larger with a café that can seat 30 people at the back of the shop. The chocolate chain has seen rapid growth in recent years and the new store has had up to 15 staff in the run up to Christmas — double the number of the previous store.

Crimple, Harrogate

Crimple Food Hall

Harrogate’s huge new £6m food hall in Pannal, which overlooks the Crimple Valley, opened its doors in November.

The 48,000 sq ft building, which is simply called Crimple, includes a butchery counter, an in-house bakery and patisserie, a floristry and a 160-seat restaurant.

Crimple has been owned by Graham Watson since 2013. With a personal investment of £4m for the construction, plus £2m for the fit-out, the business-owner created the town’s latest foodie destination in a bid to showcase all the amazing produce the district has to offer.

Previous visitors to Crimple Valley will remember the former antiques centre at the site. This has been completely knocked down and the food hall and restaurant has been built in its place. The garden centre remains and the existing restaurant and terrace has become an events space.

Fattorini, Harrogate

Harrogate’s oldest independent shop, A. Fattorini the Jeweller announced it will close after 190 years of trading

Thought to be the oldest independent jeweller in Harrogate, A. Fattorini, has been located on Parliament Street since 1884.

The announced closure of the Harrogate institution was marked by a closing down sale, which saw people queuing down the street.

It is set to close on January 8, 2022.

63rd+1st, Harrogate

The Manhattan-style cocktail bar at 63rd+1st

Harrogate’s answer to a Manhattan cocktail bar opened its doors in November, with the launch of 63rd+1st.

Decked out in trendy dark blue and gold, and featuring lots of greenery, the restaurant, lounge and bar on Albert Street is aimed at customers who might just want a nibble and a drink after work or a meal out with friends.

The venue was developed by Hostmore PLC, which also includes TGI Fridays as part of its portfolio.

Harrogate’s branch was the third to open in the UK, behind Surrey in May and Glasgow in September.

53 Bo Grove, Harrogate

Kyrensa Bentley when she opened a pancake shack (left) with a general view of 53 Bo Grove

Bohemian Harrogate cafe, antiques and garden centre 53 Bo Grove, on Grove Road, just off Kings Road, closed in December, after more than two years of business.

The business became a vital hub for residents during the early coronavirus lockdowns by staying open at a time when many supermarkets were struggling for stock.

Owner Kyrensa Bentley attempted to improve business by opening a pancake shack and a farm shop on site.

Ms Bentley, who opened the business in September 2019, told the Stray Ferret she made the decision to close after struggling on a number of fronts, including the difficult location and the impact of the pandemic.

She will continue to operate Bo Grove at Oxford Street, which opened in November 2020.

Not all heroes wear capes, and while most of us are tucking into our turkeys there are some admirable people out there who still put a hard day’s graft in on Christmas Day.

Scott Toolin is a chef de partie at Harrogate’s Cedar Court Hotel. He gave the Stray Ferret a glimpse of what it’s like to work on the big day.

Describe your typical working day on Christmas Day

In my last job I worked 11am until 7pm. We did about 80 covers, so I would say it was steady, not too busy. I don’t celebrate Christmas at work.

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How do you feel about having to work on Christmas Day?

I’m not too bothered about working Christmas day, I’m quite used to it.

How does your family feel about you working on Christmas Day?

My family are also not bothered, as they know in my line of work Christmas is going to be very busy.

How do you celebrate Christmas as a result of having to work? 

I will still have Christmas on Christmas day. My family will cook the dinner, but I know I will get a lot of phone calls that day asking me how to cook this that and the other.

While huge turkeys have traditionally been the main centrepiece of the family Christmas dinner, many are now opting for smaller, more convenient versions.

And some are even ditching the turkey altogether.

I spoke to Rachael Hirst at Wetherby-based butchers Sykes House Farm, which supplies meat and poultry to restaurants, cafes and homes across the Harrogate district, about what it’s like to operate during the hectic run-up to Christmas.

This year has been particularly busy for the team, with the business now offering both trade and e-commerce following a boom in online trading as a result of the pandemic.

Founder Martin Smith, with daughter Rachael Hirst and son Robert

Rachael, who runs the third generation family business with her brother Robert Smith, said:

“It has been really hard work this year, as we have got trade and e-commerce, together with a lack of staff.”

The team also has to adapt to the changing needs of customers at Christmas time.

Rachael said:

“Our turkeys are herb-fed poultry and we have loads of different sizes lots to choose from.

“A lot of people are choosing not to get whole birds this year, as people are finding the bones a bit of a faff.

“People’s needs and trends keep changing and we therefore don’t always know what to buy.

“We have to buy it in July in order to raise those birds to have in December. So it’s a bit of a punt every year.”

In November Sykes House Farm, which supplies to the likes of William & Victoria, Betty’s, Three’s a Crowd and Gianni’s Brio, in Harrogate, had already sold 50% of its turkey stock of 300. This was despite them only going on sale at the end of October.

Rachael said:

“Everyone was ringing up non-stop thinking there is going to be a turkey shortage.”

However, she added that many people this year had moved on to ribs of beef and stuffed pork.

She said:

“The tradition of turkey has gone away a bit. The turkey famers do all wonder why turkey is just for Christmas. Eating turkey at Christmas has come from America.

“We do individual portions, like the little turkey parcels, which are like what is sold in restaurants. They are wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cranberry and sage. So if you only have four people coming, you could get four of those rather than having to buy a big turkey, which is what quite a few people have done this year.

“People’s shopping habits have totally changed. However, beef is always really popular at Christmas. We sell more at Christmas than any other time of the year.”

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Rachael puts the change in shopping habits down to people cooking more in lockdown and therefore wanting more variety in their dishes.

She said:

“A lot of chefs were born at home due to lockdown, so I just think people have got more inventive. As a result we have found that people who come in the shop are asking for totally different things.

“For example ox cheeks have become a thing. All the offal – pigs cheeks things like that – are very popular on menus now.”

When it comes to Christmas people are still ordering turkeys alongside beef and pork, however many are now opting for an easier option to save time in the kitchen.

Rachael said:

“People have been ordering the most of stuffed lattice turkey breasts for sure.

“They still want the turkey, but without the hassle of the bird in the oven. And it visually looks really nice because of the lattice on top.

“They don’t have to do stuffing as well, because it’s inside it. It’s a shortcut but it still gives you the Christmas dinner and it’s easy to carve.

“Everybody also loves pigs in blankets and people seem to order more and more every year. We sell them on trays of 20, which is quite a large number, and if you’re a family of six we would expect you to just have a tray – but people ask for two.”

Another alternative that is popular, according to Rachael, is a turkey ballotine, a boneless turkey breast, which has a partridge or pheasant inside it and then a duck or pigeon inside that.

She said:

“It’s a gamey three bird roast. They are really popular. People don’t want the faff of doing those at home. It’s quite time consuming making them. It takes 20 minutes per one. We do everything onsite. All the prep.”

Turkey ballotine

This article is sponsored by Berwins

Family breakdown is never easy, but Christmas can be a particularly distressing time for separated parents and their children.

There is an unrealistic expectation that the festive period should be be perfect, not helped by increasing pressure caused by social media.

This often leads to feelings of anger, frustration and upset when that “perfect” family Christmas can’t be made into a reality.

Arguments can start over where the children will be on Christmas Day. There can also be disagreements about whether new partners should be spending time with the children at Christmas, as well as issues with money.

But it doesn’t always have to be difficult.

Harrogate dad Alex separated from his wife in 2010, when his daughter was three-years-old.

Tough

He described how the first two Christmases apart were a struggle, but then gradually improved in future years thanks to good communication.

He said:

“In that first year it was all quite recent and a little raw. Christmas morning was spent separately at our respective parents, and my daughter was with her mum.

“We then met in a neutral venue, a pub in a rural village, and had a drink and I got to spend some time with my daughter.

“That first year was incredibly tough and getting in the car and driving away from her later in the afternoon was particularly hard.

“The following year my daughter spent the morning with my ex-wife, and then came to my house. It was a little too upsetting for all parties, particularly for my daughter as she just wanted to play with her new things.”

However, as a result, they both agreed that they would then take it in turns each year, which he says has worked out better for everyone ever since.

He said:

“When she is not with us, we have a separate faux Christmas Day and meal on another day as near to the big day as we can, but there is no substitute to having her with you on the day itself.”

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Alex continues to have a good relationship with his ex-wife and says this makes it easier when it comes to Christmas festivities.

He said:

“I think when you have children, the focus of the day itself changes anyway, and you realise that the enjoyment comes from experiencing it through their eyes.

“Once both parties accept that, it’s easy to keep it amicable as you will do everything you can to make it special for the children involved.

“As with every aspect of co-parenting, communication is the key, and if you can keep in touch and keep it friendly (sometimes through gritted teeth), then it makes everything so much better for you and your children.

“I genuinely think my daughter has a wonderful time at Christmas. She gets spoiled by both sides of her family and gets to have two Christmas Days every year.”

Advice

Stephen Root, director of Berwins Solicitors, based in Harrogate, has shared his advice on arrangements for children over the Christmas period.

He said:

• Remember it is not about you spending time with your children, but your children spending time with you and the other parent.
• Try and approach it from your children’s point of view. Will they be happier seeing both of you on Christmas Day, even if that means moving from house-to-house? Or are they better off in one place, perhaps, alternating Christmas Day and Boxing Day between you?
• Try and find an arrangement that suits your family and can be used from year-to-year, perhaps alternating Christmas and the New Year holiday periods between you.
• Try and reach an agreement as early as possible. If everyone knows what the arrangements are there are less likely to be arguments. If there are issues, then the earlier you have begun discussions the more time you have to resolve them.
• If the children are with you all day Christmas Day, do make time for them to speak with the other parent during the day. In most cases children will want to at least speak to the other parent during the festivities.
• Don’t compete with each other. Try and discuss what presents you are getting – consider still buying jointly if you can – and don’t expect your children to eat two Christmas dinners.

At this time of year, we don’t always want to splash the cash when it comes to enjoying some festive fun.

And thanks to the creativity and hard work of the district’s residents, we certainly don’t need to.

One night this week after the school run, we hopped in the car, stuck on some Wham! and Shakey and took our two boys, aged three and eight, for a Christmas lights tour.

We all had a total blast and apart from fuel costs, it didn’t cost a penny.

So here’s a rough guide on where you can take the kids to see some fabulous lights across the Harrogate district – for free!

Crossways Drive (near Morrison’s), Harrogate

The residents on Crossways Drive understood the assignment and have created some amazing light displays. There is a moving Santa and sleigh and more coloured lights than you can shake a jingle bell at.

This was the boys’ favourite street, as most of the houses were lit up.

Crossways Drive

Crossways Drive

Sutton Grange Close, Lindrick Way and Norwich Drive, Jennyfields, Harrogate

Residents in Jennyfields are known for going all out at Christmas and it has long been a popular part of Harrogate to view the impressive displays. And this year it did not disappoint.

The boys loved the inflatable Christmas characters and found it hilarious (probably more than it should have been) that one of the Santas had fallen over. He had clearly had one too many sherries.

Sutton Grange Close

Sutton Grange Close

Sutton Grange Close

Lindrick Way

Norwich Drive

Norwich Drive is also the street where you can see an incredible Christmas display unlike any other in the district for charity.

Dale Hughes, is hoping to raise spirits and £1,000 for Martin House Hospice.

He has painstakingly installed and individually programmed 24,000 low-energy LEDs.

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From 5pm until 7.30pm his house will light up and will play a loop of around 20 songs over an hour.

Watch the amazing video of one of his displays here.

Dale Hughes is the man behind the show on Norwich Drive.

Mayfield Terrace, Harrogate 

Harrogate man Paul Ivison’s latest quirky garden creation has a festive theme and includes 13 Christmas trees, more than1,000 lights and hundreds of toys.

Mr Ivison has lived in his house on Mayfield Terrace for 15 years and each year decorates his garden with different themes. When the Stray Ferret visited in the summer, he had created a loud and proud mental health-themed garden, which raised £137 for Mind.

And in winter, he changed the theme again to “Toytropolis”,  after bargain hunting on Facebook marketplace to buy more than 200 toys to make children and their parents smile. He is now selling the toys to raise money for a Visa for his husband, who lives in the Philippines.

Mr Ivison said:

“It has been a terrific reaction and I’ve had a lot of people saying it makes them smile. I’ve had people coming late at night to see it and parents bringing little kids in to show them toys they used to have when they were younger.

“I’ve made about £150 so far and everyone who buys a toy gets a freebie as well.

“You get a lot of people driving past, as I also have a big flag on the roof, which says ‘Happy Christmas’, and people stop and get out to have a look.”

Mr Ivison is already planning his spring garden, which will have a “pride and celebrity” theme, featuring 300 photographs of celebrities he has met over the years as a result of his time at the helm of an LGBTQ+ magazine.

You can visit “Christmas at Toytropolis” on the corner of Mayfield Grove and Mayfield Terrace, with the trees remaining on display until January 9 and the garden opening from 10am until 6pm.

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Finden Gardens, Hampsthwaite

The residents of Finden Gardens decorate their bungalows each year, much to the delight of the school children who walk past each day.

The boys absolutely loved the carol singers and tobogganers in one of the gardens, which is also decked out in fake snow, Christmas trees and lots of lights.

Finden Gardens 

Minskip, near Boroughbridge

This is such a pretty village anyway, and it’s even more beautiful at Christmas thanks to the creative displays that line either side of the high street. If you look closely you may even spot the Grinch!

One of the houses has even generously put out sweets for local children next to some lollipop and toadstool decorations, which went down a treat!

We tied this trip in with a festive visit to Yolk Farm, a family favourite, which is lovely at this time of year.

Minskip

Minskip

• Where is your favourite place to see the Christmas lights in the Harrogate district? Are there any houses that stand out in particular? Email nina@thestrayferret.co.uk

As a personal trainer and coach, as well as a journalist, I have never been a fan of the ‘New Year, New You’ concept.

Firstly, there is nothing wrong with the old you. You might feel a bit partied out and like you’ve over-indulged at Christmas, but that’s normal and it doesn’t make you a bad person. You certainly don’t have to embark on some ridiculous exercise regime and diet fad after the clock strikes 12 on December 31.

Secondly, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t start now, or why you can’t carry on hitting your goals or even just maintain a level of consistency with your training during December.

A Baileys and a mince pie isn’t going to destroy your progress and I can guarantee if you start exercising now – even if it’s just a brisk walk around the shops – you will feel better prepared come the New Year.

There are plenty of personal trainers and coaches across the Harrogate district who feel the same.

They have shared some of their views and tips on why we shouldn’t wait until January when it comes to health and fitness.

Lyndsay Wells, Fit Harrogate PT 

“I can understand why people slow down or stop training in December, especially after the last year.

“I think a lot of people are feeling pretty drained and fatigued mentally, but this is where nutrition and exercise become even more important.

“Getting adequate protein, fibre and nutrients, plus regular exercise, really helps with positivity, mental clarity, sleep and energy levels. Even a 20-30 minute walk each day counts.

“The other thing that sets people back at this time of year is the “All or nothing” mentality. The mindset that because it’s Christmas and there are social occasions and lots of festive food to enjoy, that they then just throw everything out of the window.

“It doesn’t have to be like that. We can still maintain progress or even continue to improve, it’s about doing little things consistently and keeping positive habits like eating slowly, staying hydrated and maintaining activity levels.

My tips in short:

• Eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied
• Move regularly and get outside for a short walk after a meal, even fidgeting adds up to your daily activity
• Stay hydrated and drink a soft drink between alcoholic one
• Choose low calorie mixers and spirits with a mixer where possible over beer, lager or wine
• Prioritise protein at every meal
• Try to eat at least one portion of fresh vegetables to each meal
• Remember you can still enjoy all the Christmas food without making yourself feel sick, irritable, bloated and lethargic

Sarah Meegan, Meegan Fit, Ripon

“What would you say if I said you should start your fitness journey in December?

“We put so much on the back-burner for the sake of potentially a three to four-day window.

“If we think about this in terms of meals. Lets say we have roughly six to eight meals consisting of festive food and drink in between now and New Year.

“There are 24 days remaining of December. If you eat three meals per day, that’s 72 meals.

“So you put off starting your New Year’s fitness journey because of that many meals out of 72?! Sounds ridiculous when we put it like that doesn’t it?

“When clients approach me for personal training and coaching in December for a New Year’s start I always ask “why January?”.

“If it’s a financial issue, then I can rationalise. But if it’s a motivation issue or fear of “ruining hard work” over the festive period then I will always actively encourage them to get ahead of themselves and get started in December.

“A full month to get a month ahead of their targets and goals. That’s an absolute no brainer.

“Starting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle takes motivation. Instilling good habits in December will enable discipline to your goals in January.

“So my message is if you’ve got goals you want to achieve in 2022, get started now.

Lauren Randell Fitness, Harrogate

“It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid… of “ruining” all your hard work in the gym this year.

“It is remaining consistent with healthy habits over time that determines your health and fitness, not a week of mince pies and a glass of red with Santa.

“Whether you choose to indulge in chocolate and remain horizontal binge-watching Love Actually for a week or not, what matters is how you feel about your decisions this festive season.

“How you feel about your decisions is far more important than the decision itself.

“Do you feel in control? Do you feel guilty? Do you feel pressure to overeat or drink around family and friends? Do you feel like exercising? Does it feel like calories and food consume your thoughts at Christmas?

“There is this assumption that because it is Christmas we are obligated to whip out the “stretchy pants” and fill ourselves to the brim at any and all occasions. But how would it feel to decide to not do that? To stop when you feel full. To say no to that extra glass. To take back some control over what you eat.

“Similarly, how would it feel to say yes to all those things you love, yes to the cake, yes to the gin and take some time to rest and not feel guilty for it?

“However you decide to spend your festive season, it is important to remember it is a choice. Your choice. You decide what you want to eat, you decide how it is going to make you feel and you decide how you spend your Christmas and New year.

“There is no right or wrong. These are pressures we put on ourselves.

“You don’t need to wait until January to continue your fitness journey. You don’t need to train harder to “work off” the extra food you might have eaten. You don’t need to do anything.

“You are fine how you are and you are loved no matter what, so do whatever makes you feel your best you this Christmas.

“Ps. If your scales shoot up, don’t worry. Most of this will be water retention not body fat. Be reassured that you cannot lose or gain body fat that quickly.”

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Matthew Goodall, F45 Training Harrogate

“I’ll just start in January” might seem like a logical idea, a bit like not wanting to start a diet on a Sunday.

However, there really is no time like the present and here are four reasons why:

1. Beat the January rush: “We’ve all been there. Gym bag in hand, stood in reception looking in on a swarm of ‘New Year, New Me’ gym-goers. Wishing for that time when you could roam the gym using equipment when you want it. Well, now’s your chance. Gyms this time of year are usually pretty quiet, giving you the chance to get in early on those Christmas gains.”

2. Damage limitation: “We all know we use Christmas as an excuse for anything. Chocolate for breakfast? Why not? It’s Christmas. But all your hard work throughout the rest of the year doesn’t have to go to waste. If you are short of time, add in a few high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. HIIT sessions are quick, easy and great for burning calories. Adapt your workouts to suit your schedule and keep going throughout December.”

3. Mental health: “Knowing that one-in-four people will experience some kind of mental health issue this December, it is now, more then ever, important to concentrate on that. With less sunlight, depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health battles can really start to take hold. But for some, gyms, training and fitness can be a lifeline. It is a proven fact that exercise releases feel-good endorphins and is therefore great for our self-esteem and cognitive function.”

4. Covid : “While we continue to battle a pandemic, exercise is vital in helping our bodies to fight Covid. We all know that as a result of obesity, poor health and bad diet choices, our bodies are less equipped and more likely to suffer with illness and disease. So now is not the time to sit back and wait until the New Year.”

Alice Hardy, Hardy’s Health and Fitness, Harrogate

“Who else is feeling seriously demotivated at the moment?

“I adore my clients and their ridiculous hard work. But every single year, the winter hits and boom, everyone is feeling, dull, demotivated, sluggish and they just don’t feel like they are hitting their goals as quickly as they should be.

“We are all the same, people then drop off towards the end of the year and think “oh well I’ll attack it in January”, but why? That is one whole month of your life that you could be using it to grow and get that one per cent better.

“It’s funny how our brains work.

“But let’s change it and think we have one whole month left for the rest of 2021. What are you going to do to make it better ? I want to make people feel excited about training, feel excited about going to the gym instead of dreading it.”

“There is a tendency to try and hit full send on everything we do when January hits.

“But by focusing on the easy elements, rather than trying to do everything all at once, we can maintain a level of consistency throughout the year.

“Why climb all the way up a tree when there’s plenty of easy pickings at ground level?

• Train: Yep, it’s a proven fact that if you train five to six days-a-week (with rest and recovery) that you’ll get fitter. But is that realistic for you and your current circumstance? Start small, how many sessions is realistic? Now make that a non-negotiable.
• Eat: So if you eat like a five-year-old at a Christmas party, how easy is it going to be to go from a diet of mince pies, to eating exclusively Paleo*? (*Google it) Really hard. So figure out one meal first – switch up your brekkie – and we’ll work on the rest later as we get accustomed to change. You know those Coco Pops are doing you no good anyway.
• Sleep: There are so many reasons I don’t get eight hours. So I accept that it will be much less, but work hard not to let that slip further when it’s in my control. Change a small part of your routine so you can grab an extra 30 minutes.
• Think and connect: What have I just said? Stop trying to change it all at once – low hanging fruit.

When the weather outside is frightful, nothing beats a decent coffee and a festive treat to get you in the mood for Christmas.

There are some amazing independent coffee shops in Harrogate, which blow the chains out of the water.

And after trudging round the shops, there is nothing better than seeking sanctuary in one of them – and indulging on a bit of cake while you’re at it. It would be rude not to at this time of year.

I spoke to some of the teams behind some of the town’s indie coffee shops about getting festive and asked them to pick their favourite Christmas bake.

No. 35, Cheltenham Crescent

Established in 2017, No.35 is a popular choice for coffee aficionados in the town. It’s small, cozy vibes are perfect for that festive feel. The baristas are some of the friendliest in town and their latte art is always impressive.

Coffee: North Star No.35 Honduras blend, with notes of honeydew melon, rum and almond

Barista Chris Pang’s favourite festive bake: Gingerbread cookie

He said:

“They are really Christmassy and there aren’t any other places that do them. They have an amazing gingerbread filling and you can stick them in the microwave as well.

“I love working here at Christmas as everyone is in good spirits and the atmosphere is always really festive.”

Barista Claudia Norris’ favourite festive bake: Christmas fruit loaf

She said:

“A customer actually said it’s better than Grandma’s Christmas cake and you can’t really go wrong with it at this time of year.”

Barista Elliot Lee’s favourite festive bake: Christmas Bakewell slice

He said:

“It’s our bestseller and it’s basically a mince pie in a Bakewell sponge. It’s small and sweet and just enough.”

Baltzersen’s, Oxford Street

The Scandinavian’s do Christmas with style and so does the Scandi-inspired Baltzersen’s, which has been a staple of Harrogate’s independent scene for almost a decade. Check out the quirky Christmas tree decorations that have been painstakingly individually hung across the whole café.

Coffee: North Star Baltzersen’s blend, with notes of milk chocolate, plum and hazelnut

Barista Brontë Madeley’s favourite festive bake: Christmas gingerbread cookie

She said:

“Our in-house baker makes all of our biscuits downstairs. I love how much time she spends on the little decorations.”

Chef Lukaz Maszczyk added:

“I love working here at Christmas. It’s very homely and inviting and we have lots of regular people coming in every day.”

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• Christmas markets 2021: The best festive events around the district
• Christmas Events: Diary of festivities in the Harrogate district 
• The woman behind Harrogate’s Tinsel the Elf

Bean & Bud, Commercial Street

This one is a bit of a different escape from the festive shopping, as the owners, Phil and Helen Dolby, refuse to play Christmas music. So if you’re sick of Shakey, Bean & Bud is ideal. However, they couple aren’t anti-Christmas by any means and you’ll still be able to choose from a selection of single origin coffees – they have several – and a festive treat.

Coffee: Campbell & Syme’s Brazil Mauricio Barbosa, with notes of milk chocolate, caramel and melon

Helen and Phil’s favourite festive bake: Christmas pudding flapjack

Helen said:

“I like to have the lights up and it’s always a nice festive atmosphere at this time of year.

“We like the Christmas pudding flapjacks as they are locally-made and are a bit different.”

Paul added:

“We are a sanctuary from the same repetitive Christmas songs you hear every year. You can come to Bean & Bud and you will never hear a Christmas song.”

Hustle & Co, Station Parade

The healthy eaterie Hustle & Co celebrated its first birthday this week and has managed to keep going strong, despite launching during a worldwide pandemic. Lots of the cakes here are vegan and gluten free, so everyone has a chance to get their festive bake fix. It always has a warm, friendly vibe in here and the twinkly decorations are lovely.

Coffee: York Emporium Peru Cecanor Cafe Femenino, with notes of milk chocolate, almond, honey and apricot

Co-owner Jo Bradshaw’s favourite festive bake: Peppermint slice 

Jo said:

“Our peppermint slice is vegan and gluten free. It’s reminiscent of a candy cane and treats during the Christmas holidays. It’s a little bit indulgent at this time of year. It has a chocolate oaty baste, peppermint fondant and dark chocolate topping.”

Front of house team leader Victoria Coltman said:

“I love the positivity and happy vibes that come from every customer who enters the doors at this time of year.”

No. 43 Brew Bar, St Winifred’s Avenue

Located in the heart of the community on St Winifred’s Avenue, a stone’s throw from The Stray, Brew Bar is another friendly independent on the scene. The selection of cakes is always impressive and the festive treats don’t disappoint. It’s hard not to feel Chrismassy with their twinkly decorations, and they also do little gifts so you can shop while you drink coffee.

Coffee: Lonton Coffee Company’s No. 43 Brew Bar Blend

Barista Elliot Dodson’s favourite festive bake: Reindeer tiffin

He said:

“We are a community coffee shop and we want to have fun and give something back. We have a lot of families come in and the reindeer tiffin is the kind of cake that shows our values.

“I feel great working here over Christmas. It’s always nice to see the core values of Christmas and the spirit of people, the togetherness, the community and the love. Customers are very festive and we have people come in and dress up. We also have a visit from Olaf and Buddy the Elf every Saturday at 1pm until 1.30pm.”

• Where is your favourite independent café to grab a coffee and a cake in the Harrogate district? I know there are so many more! Send your recommendations and photos  to nina@thestrayferret.co.uk

This article is sponsored by Lapicida

With Christmas just around the corner, most of us have now started, or at least thought about, decking the halls with festive decorations.

And while some love nothing more than going nuts with a blow up Santa, flashing coloured lights and bursts of tinsel, others will opt for a more muted colour palette and stick to a particular theme.

But as it turns out, Christmas decor is packed with unlimited design potential – we just need to get a little creative.

To help kick-start your festive inspiration, feast your eyes on these Christmas decorating ideas from the Harrogate district’s interior designers.

From pared back style to innovative alternatives to favourite festive staples, here are some top decorating tips to make your spirits merry, bright, and beautiful.

Festive colour palettes, adding festive cheer and igniting the senses

Nommi Fligg, interior designer at Furnish & Fettle, Harrogate, Wetherby and Pocklington:

After 2020’s festive season turned out to be a bit of a wash-out, we’re only too happy to look ahead, towards what will hopefully be a more ‘normal’ December, with more family members gathered around the tree and fewer gathered around Zoom.

The question we often get asked as designers is, how do we choose the right colours and accessories to decorate our home in a way that’s sophisticated, yet special for the Christmas season?

Every year there are always new trends and there are different styles of decorations from Nordic, to country to minimalist, however, as we redefine our homes at this time of year, we’re focusing on bringing seasonal elements in that feel both celebratory and natural, incorporating warm winter elements to bring festive feelings into our spaces.

Establishing a seasonal colour palette

When working on our projects, one of the first things we consider is the colour palette. Although decorating for the festive season is different from selecting finishes or furniture, identifying tones you want to incorporate in your seasonal decor always makes for a more cohesive end result. This year, we’re inspired by muted traditional holiday tones that feel wintery, warm, and neutral enough to blend in with our spaces.

Incorporating natural elements

Layering in natural elements can look like anything from incorporating greenery to adding textural materials like wood tones or displaying artwork that displays a wintery feeling. For our clients, we love styling logs by the fireplace, front porch, or even in the mudroom to introduce a seasonal element. Add them to a pretty log holder, pile them in a woven basket, or simply stack them to bring a subtle wintery feeling to your vignette.

Adding festive cheer 

This season, we’re finding new ways to make our homes feel merrier through unexpected celebratory elements.

Decorating for Christmas is about balancing big moments, like your tree, with smaller moments throughout your home, like faux seasonal florals, that you can change up as and when you feel. You could also hang a good-old wreath in your entranceway, or add cheer and little ornaments to your bookshelves.

Read More:

• Successful interior design duo launches new Harrogate studio 
• Christmas markets 2021: The best festive events around the district

A designer top tip would be to switch out your throws and pillows to more seasonal ones can go a long way, but they don’t have to be embroidered with reindeers and Santa Claus to feel festive. Try incorporating velvet, wool, and knit textures to add a pretty, streamlined look.

Igniting the senses

The first thing you can do to start making your home feel seasonal is light a candle.

When designing a space, we like to think about our senses and how they ignite our surroundings. Create a welcoming winter environment by adding ambiance through warm scents, cozy textiles, a calming colour palette, and elevated accents.

We love changing out our scented candles or room diffusers – something as simple as a change in smell can tingle the senses and memory-bank and instantly transport you to the land of Christmas.

Where we can, we enjoy a real fern wreath so we can breathe in the smell of the outdoors whilst tucked up on the sofa.

Another top tip, if your tree isn’t in the sunniest of spaces, glass baubles, as opposed to solid ones, will help to reflect the sun and candlelight around your room and add a warming glow to the atmosphere.

Alongside candles, table lamps are your biggest ally, you can never have too many and they will never let you down on a winters evening, bringing coziness and sparkle to all items placed around them.

Five top tips for creating the perfect dinner table at Christmas

Rachael Webber, design director at Stylesmith Interiors, Harrogate

1.Simple and elegant dressing

Use lots of greenery and candles – nothing glitzy. Use the centrepiece to run down the table, rather than a runner.

2. Consider the size of your centrepiece

Make sure it isn’t too tall so that your guests can see each other.

3. Create ambience

Use lots of layered lighting and beautifully-scented candles to add ambience.

4. It’s all about the crockery

Use striking dinner plates to create a feast for the eyes.

5. Dig out your best glasses

Use good quality wine and champagne glasses – again keeping things simple and elegant with no bling.

Simplicity is powerful: Top tips for living room Christmas decor 

Joanie Mac, interior designer, Harrogate

My top tips for decorating at Christmas hang around some key ideas: Simplicity is powerful, use what you have, and some wonderful wrapping!

1.Re-think what you already have 

This is three cake stands stacked up with a White Company metal wreath from a couple of years ago and piled high with baubles.

And this is upturned vases and baubles creating a city skyline along the mantelpiece.

2. You can create the spirit of Christmas in the smallest of spots with a bit of imagination

Think about different heights of objects, some foliage, pine cones and berries collected on your walk through the woods and create magic.

3. Pared back is so impactful

Here is just a mirror, a wreath and a couple of decorations, but it looks fabulous against the strong blue wall.

And here is another pared back one with a beautiful glass lamp, a vintage light fitting and a crystal bauble all sitting on a vintage trunk.

4. Include presents under the tree

And finally, wrap some presents in beautiful wrapping paper and place them under the tree.

This article is sponsored by Berwins

It was a first for me this week, as I sat down for an exclusive interview with Father Christmas’s chief elf.

Tinsel is currently delighting children and grown-ups alongside the big man himself at The Crown Hotel, as part of a new interactive Christmas experience organised by the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID).

And following a festive tour of the Elf School and workshop, which looks truly magical, I grabbed a cuppa with Tinsel – aka Suzanne Kaye-Vaughan, so I could get to know more about the woman behind the elf.

Bringing joy

Suzie Fairy, as she is known to most children and parents in the Harrogate district, has been bringing joy and magic into people’s lives for almost two decades.

And when you meet her, it’s impossible not to be inspired by her passion for helping people of all ages “to shine bright”.

The actress got her first professional contract at one of Deborah Meaden’s holiday camps in Cornwall, long before BBC’s Dragon’s Den aired, where she performed her own cabaret act.

She was then offered a place at drama school at Bretton Hall, near Wakefield, which saw her move to Yorkshire after growing up in Wales.

She said:

“That’s where I did three years theatre acting and I really shaped my passion for educational theatre, and using my skills as a performer to make change, particularly helping children shine bright.

“I love creating immersive adventures for children that they would learn from, not realising they are learning, and making learning fun. I thought this was just magical.

“And so I started doing fairy parties as a side-line to my acting when I first graduated in 2004, and then that grew into doing loads of other different themed events, which then grew into working with lots of attractions, helping them enhance customer experience through immersive theatre.”

Suzanne’s company was previously known as Make a Wish Entertainment and her educational theatre company was known as Fantasy Kids Clubs.

After lockdown, she merged her companies under one banner and created Enchantica’s.

Well-known

The actress is particularly well-known in the Harrogate area for running fairy and hero camps since 2005, with some of the children who attended now working for her as performers, which she describes as “really special”.

Suzanne has played a number of characters over the years

Suzanne said:

“Now people come to me with their objectives saying, ‘We need to entertain this age group. We have got this celebration to do. This is our learning objective’. And then my skill is that I bring that and make it a wow factor experience for people.

“So that’s anything from opening parties, to children’s attractions and private events. A lot of my work is private events, which I don’t often share as they are confidential.

“I’ve been an elf for the Royal Family before down in Ascot and have also performed in a castle for French royalty.”

Under her various alter egos, including the fairy Enchantica, Tinsel the elf and the Queen of Hearts, Suzanne has worked at a number of attractions and events across the district.

Family events 

Recently they have included the UCI World Championships, where she ran free family classes in the Fan Zone, an enchanted forest Easter walk at Newby Hall and the Discovery Zone at the Great Yorkshire Show. She has also run events at Harewood House and Stockeld Park.

Easter fun at Newby Hall

This year she also brought ‘The Garden Detectives’ to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, where the objective was to engage children in horticulture.

Tinsel the elf

She has also regularly appeared as Tinsel the elf at the annual Father Christmas event at the gardens, which has long been one of the hottest tickets in town, but isn’t taking place this year due to Covid safety restrictions.

She said:

“Father Christmas at Harlow is such a tradition for so many people, and those traditions are something that we’ve had to find new ways around. I think that Covid has made us look at what else can we do.

“So this year we put the feelers out and teamed up with a magical team of other elves from Harrogate BID, Harrogate International Festivals and The Crown Hotel and formed a bit of a ‘Christmas Council’ to create an experience that we all thought was missing from the town centre.

“What has been lovely about being involved this Christmas, is it has been really great to work with a big team of people who are passionate about making Harrogate great for families.”

Suzanne said she hoped to return to The Crown Hotel with Father Christmas in future years and had been delighted with the demand.

Read More:

• Christmas markets 2021: The best festive events around the district
• Christmas Events: Diary of festivities in the Harrogate district 

Little helper

Suzanne’s passion has been further fuelled by her four-year-old little boy, Dante.

She described how when he was a baby, she would perform with him on her hip. He now loves to perform and help her with her events and classes, even assisting with decorating and transforming spaces.

She said:

“Kids like being involved. During lockdown he delivered shows with me online and it gave us a really nice structure to our week connecting with families, and he will now perform with me.”

And as a mum who understands how precious time with little ones can be, Suzanne runs a number of wellbeing classes at her studio, Enchantica’s Workshop, on Beech Avenue, which she created just before the first lockdown.

An online class with Suzanne and her puppet Beatie

They involve music, song, yoga, speech and language development, using her drama and children’s performing arts coaching skills and she even took them online during the pandemic.

Future plans

Buzzing with ideas, I could see Suzanne’s eyes light up as she told me about what she would like to do next.

She said:

“What was amazing about the UCI event is we created a hub in the middle of Harrogate and had this lovely festival vibe where families could come and play, be entertained and connect. I think it would be lovely to have something like that again.

“So I’m looking to work on some sort of family wellbeing festival.

“Harrogate BID and Harrogate International Festivals are so on board with that kind of vision, it’s just a really exciting time for the town.

“I feel like this Christmas is just the start of a lot more magic. It’s been such a great success and families are enjoying it so much, why would we not want to make more?”

And on this festive note, Suzanne revealed that the elves would be helping at the Harrogate Christmas Fayre in the town centre, which launched on Friday.

She said:

“The elves will be there to help guide people if anyone has any questions and to just have a bit of a chat with the kids.

“If someone doesn’t know where something is, they can ask the elves, who are all theatrically trained or are specialists in children’s theatre.”

Make a wish

When Suzanne isn’t heading up a team of elves, she is diving into her warehouse full of a vast array of costumes and props – and lots of glitter – ready to make someone’s wish come true.

Requests have included everything from a lavish Halloween house party, which Suzanne brought to life at a family’s home upon their return from holiday, to a child’s Worst Witch-themed party in a village hall.

When it comes to adventures, it’s safe to say, Suzanne never knows what she is going to do next.

She said:

“People ask what I do and I say I’m a fairy, which is met with a laugh.

“But I do think I make magic as we do bring ideas to life, whatever they may be.

“What I love to do is help people shine bright. That’s what my purpose is.”

After last year’s Christmas’s party season (if you can call it that) turned out to be a huge disappointment, this year we’re going all out.

And we are all definitely going out, out.

That means sequins, glitter, dressing up, standing out and generally getting into party spirit like never before – Harrogate is ready!

With everything from Christmas parties to festive dinners, and of course the big day itself to prepare for, we’ve spoken to three women from the town’s beauty industry to give you a helping hand with your festive beauty prep.

Hair

‘Caramel brownie’ beach waves at Meraki Harrogate

Wella master colour expert Sarah Townend, owns Meraki Harrogate Salon and Luxury Blow-Dry Bar, in the Westminster Arcade. 

What are your top tips for getting ready for a Christmas party?

1. PLANNING. Make sure you have planned your outfit, how your makeup is going to look and obviously what you want your hair to look like.
2. Book yourself in for a blow-dry. It creates one less job for you to do whilst getting ready and you know it is going to last you all night from dinner and drinks, to dancing the night away!
3. Find a great playlist to have on in the background whilst you get ready. Whether it’s upbeat Christmas songs or the charts, it’ll definitely get you in the dancing, merry mood.

What are this year’s hair trends? Have you noticed a particular style that is being requested more than others?

The classic beach waves is a go-to with stylists and clients. It is one of those fantastic hairstyles that you can dress up or dress down and looks amazing on everybody.

Have you noticed that you are more busy than usual this year? If so, do you think this is because people are desperate to get glammed up?

Absolutely! Our blow-dry bar has been busier than ever, with everyone wanting the luxury of getting pampered before their big night out.

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What are you most looking forward to? 

We’ve opted for a low-key Christmas party this year due to the busyness of the salon and the blow-dry bar. A few drinks and fantastic company is all we need.

Brows and lashes

This year’s lash trends include hybrid, volume and classic lashes

Nikolett Taba, is a lash and brow stylist and owns The Lash Room at The Coach House, Victoria Avenue, which she opened in August.

What are your top tips for getting ready for a Christmas party?

1. Treat yourself to semi-permanent eyelashes. Luscious lashes will add the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas party looks.
2. Get your brows done by a professional stylist. This would be a perfect combination with your lashes and save you time while you getting ready for the party.
3. If you would like to spice it up, you never can go wrong with a red lipstick to finish the party look.

What are this year’s brow and lash trends? Have you noticed a particular style that is being requested more than others?

This year definitely brow lamination is the hottest trend for brows. Brow lamination, also referred to as a ‘brow lift’, is a service that creates the look of full, fluffy brows by realigning the directional hair growth and enhancing the brow shape.

This year’s lash trends include hybrid, volume and classic lashes. For those who like the natural look, it’s the lash lift with a tint.

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Have you noticed that you are more busy than usual this year? If so, do you think this is because people are desperate to get glammed up?

For a year, most of us had the same hobbies. Watching Netflix, baking banana bread or walking to the park. Most of the time we have worn loungewear with a mask covering our face.

So I think we are all more than ready and excited than ever for this year’s Christmas season, having people around us and spending quality time with friends and family.

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What are you most looking forward to? 

I am going out for a work Christmas do at the beginning of December to Lucia.

At the end of December I have hired a room with my friend to celebrate New Year and spend some much needed time together! I can’t wait to dance, eat and enjoy each other’s company!

Nails

Gold-tipped nails add some festive glamour

Helen Wren is a nail artist, who launched a salon at her home on Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, 12 months ago.

What are your top tips for getting ready for a Christmas party?

1. Try your best to plan your outfit and stick to it. Try it on before so you know you’re 100 per cent comfortable and know you’re feeling your best.
2. Prep anything you can a day or even two days before if possible! I like to false tan a couple of nights before just so it settles a little and looks natural.
3. If you’re having a cheeky alcoholic beverage or two, then be sure to hydrate lots before you even start. Hydration is key to everything beauty in my opinion. Nails, hair, skin. Especially during party season!

What are this year’s nail trends? Have you noticed a particular style that is being requested more than others?

Some of the trends in nail art right now are fantastic. Some crazy, graphic bright colours and even textures. Then some beautifully understated nude or simple colours and designs. It’s such a fun creative industry to be in.

One thing is for sure you cannot escape the glitter at Christmas. Be it very minimal and soft over a nude colour, or deep disco party vibes. It’s a win!

Greens are having a massive moment right now and I think this will carry through the festive season, plus a simple gold foil tip. Minimal but super glamorous.

Lastly for me, you cannot beat a classic short, clean Christmas candy red!

Have you noticed that you are more busy than usual this year? If so, do you think this is because people are desperate to get glammed up?

So I can’t actually compare to this time last year, as I was literally about to launch my new business. I started trading on December 1, 2020, so I’m coming up to my first birthday.

I feel very lucky to have the support and lovely clients I do, but I can tell you December is nearly fully-booked so Harrogate is DEFINITELY getting party ready!

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What are you most looking forward to? 

I will of course be going Christmas partying this year. In fact, last weekend was my first! Being self-employed and working alone there’ll be no works do for me, but getting out with the girls, be it dinner, drinks and dancing – all three I hope – I absolutely can’t wait.

Merry Christmas Harrogate!