London restaurant defends legal challenge to Harrogate’s Frog

A Michelin-starred eatery in London has defended issuing a legal challenge to a new Harrogate bar and restaurant that forced it to give up the name Frog.

The Stray Ferret reported yesterday that Frog on King’s Road has changed its name to Lilypad after a challenge by the Adam Handling Restaurant Group, which owns the Frog trademark.

The news came as a personal blow to owners Charlie Moorby and Tom Moxham as they named the Harrogate bar and restaurant after their favourite amphibian.

It prompted a debate on social media about whether the legal challenge was fair.

Some felt the London-based business was well within its rights to protect its intellectual property but others thought that a business 200 miles away posed little threat and should be left alone.

Frog By Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden received its first Michelin star this year. Award-winning chef Adam Handling said he gave it that name because “frogs live in water, so they are either going to sink or swim”.

A spokesperson for company sent us a statement that expressed some sympathy for the Harrogate restaurant but said the name Frog is “very valuable and important to us”.

The Adam Handling Restaurant Group also owns three other restaurants and the spokesperson said some diners had incorrectly believed the chef had opened a new restaurant in Harrogate.

“The Adam Handling Restaurant Group has been in touch with Frog Harrogate because its choice of name conflicts with our earlier rights and has caused confusion amongst many of our diners and within the hospitality industry, as they thought that we had opened a new restaurant in Harrogate.

“The directors of Frog Harrogate have responded and we anticipate resolving matters amicably soon.

“Our Frog name is very valuable and important to us, to our existing restaurant group and to our expansion plans. We have no choice but to protect it from both deliberate and accidental conflicts.”

The spokesperson warned other fledgling businesses to undertake due diligence on intellectual property before opening.

“If you don’t protect and enforce your trademark against these types of conflicts, you become exposed and could lose your rights.

“We appreciate that these conflicts can be accidental but, in this instance, Frog Harrogate have advised that they were actually aware of our name. We urge new business owners to conduct the relevant due diligence through the IPO website as unfortunate situations like this can become costly for both parties.”

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Controversial Knox Lane housing plans recommended for approval

A Harrogate Borough Council officer has recommended that councillors next week approve plans to build 53 homes in Bilton.

North East property developer Jomast wants to build the homes on a field off Knox Lane in what has been a controversial and long-running planning application.

The council’s planning committee will decide next Tuesday whether the scheme can go ahead.

Council officer Andy Hough has published a 30-page report for councillors that says the development should be given the green light once certain conditions are met and there being no objection from the local flood authority.

The majority of the site is allocated for development in the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, which says where homes can be built.

However, the development will also include land outside of the local plan area for trees and open space.

Obstacles

The developer has faced a number of obstacles getting to this stage.

Its initial plans were for 73 homes but the number was reduced following concerns about over-development.

NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group said GP practices in Harrogate are already over-saturated and have “very limited capacity” to accept another 123 patients that the new homes could bring.

Jomast has agreed to pay £63,974, which will be spent by GP practices.

This year, North Yorkshire County Council, who is in charge of roads in the district, said the layout of the development was ‘not acceptable’. The developer has since agreed to pay to widen Knox Lane in a move that has satisfied the county council.

‘Sustainable location’

Residents in the area have also long said the site is unsuitable due to the overhead electricity pylons that run through the fields and because of its impact on wildlife and a historic part of Harrogate.

Jomast has said it will not build homes directly beneath the pylons. Mr Hough, from Harrogate Borough Council, said the developer has “positively utilised” the pylons to create a “strong green infrastructure” and a “significant area” of public open space.

The National Grid has backed the development.

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In his conclusion Mr Hough said:

“The site is located within a sustainable location for housing and has been designed in such a way that the layout takes into account the constraints of the site, whilst ensuring that it retains and builds upon the natural features of the site.”

‘We will be saddened’ 

The proposed site off Knox Lane.

At the time of publication, there have been 311 objections to the plans from residents and zero submissions of support.

To many living in that corner of Bilton, the fields on Knox Lane represent one of the last green spaces in the area.

They believe the houses would destroy an idyllic scene that is home to wildlife and is a gateway to Spruisty Bridge and Oak Beck.

Sue Wrightson, who lives in the area, gave the following reasons why she and other residents believe councillors should refuse the plans next week.

She said:

“The proposal will have a major adverse visual impact and cause harm to the landscape and character of Knox Lane.

“We have had a total lack of communication from Jomast’s representatives and HBC when information has been sort.

“Wildlife and birds will be totally displaced. Pylons and contamination serious issues have been raised and not addressed.

“It is a beautiful area and enjoyed by many it should be left as is for wildlife and birds, a small little hamlet down Knox lane to the pack horse bridge will be ruined.

“We will be saddened if this is approved for everyone that enjoys it.”

The Stray Ferret asked Jomast to comment but we did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Jomast and planning consultants Spawforths previously issued the following joint statement to the Stray Ferret:

“Jomast recognises the concerns of the local residents in respect to the potential impacts of the proposed housing development.  However they would like to stress that the application site is allocated for housing within Harrogate’s Local Plan.

“Therefore, it has already been deemed as suitable for residential development by Harrogate council.  The planning application is providing a significant amount of affordable housing, above what is required by planning policy, which will help address the significant shortfall of this type of housing within the town.

“The planning application is supported by a number of specialist technical reports, including a transport assessment, which demonstrates the proposed development would not lead to any additional congestion of the local roads.

“Jomast has also commissioned a series of ecological reports, which show that the proposed development would deliver a net benefit to biodiversity and the environment through the creation of new wildlife habitats and significant tree and hedgerow planting.

“Two public exhibitions have been carried out in respect to the development of the Site. In addition, Harrogate council consulted local residents on the allocation of the site for housing during the preparation of their Local Plan.”

Police warning after spate of burglaries in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police has warned homeowners to lock their windows at night after four burglaries in four days were reported on the east side of Harrogate.

The first burglary took place in the early hours of Thursday morning when a handbag was stolen from a property in Queen Parade.

On Thursday night, three bags were stolen from a property on Pearl Street.

Police said on Friday morning between 5am and 11am, two homes on Woodlands Grove were also targeted when thieves stole a wallet, a tobacco grinder and some cash.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“In all incidents access has been gained through insecure windows and doors. Opportunistic thieves have gained access to properties and stolen valuable items.

“Our neighbourhood teams are patrolling in the area to deter thieves, but there are some simple steps homeowners can take to protect their property.

“Please ensure you don’t leave valuable items on display near windows and doors and if you are not in the room, or before you head to bed, run a quick check that all windows and doors are closed and locked. Similarly with your garden, any valuable toys, bikes or tools are best kept in a locked shed if possible and consider fitting a house alarm, external lights or a video doorbell or CCTV camera to deter thieves.

“Anyone who was in the area of the properties which were targeted, at the time and dates mentioned, who saw anything or has information which would assist the investigations is asked to call 101, select option 1 and pass the information to our Force Control Room.”

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Nigel Adams MP resigns from cabinet

Harrogate district MP Nigel Adams has resigned from the cabinet ahead of new Conservative Party leader Liz Truss becoming Prime Minister today.

Mr Adams was minister without portfolio in Boris Johnson’s cabinet. In a letter to the outgoing PM he congratulated Ms Truss but wrote “it is important that a new PM is able to appoint a team based on who they want, rather than who they inherit”.

During Mr Johnson’s premiership, he was previously the minister for Asia.

The letter also praised Mr Johnson for breaking the “Brexit deadlock”, delivering the covid vaccine rollout and supporting Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

The letter ended by saying “there has never been a dull moment and I am honoured to call you a friend.”

Mr Adams was one of Mr Johnson’s most trusted allies and there have been rumours that he will be rewarded for his loyalty with a peerage. It would trigger a by-election as MPs can not also sit in the House of Lords.

Other cabinet ministers Nadine Dorries and Priti Patel have also resigned from cabinet.

Mr Adams has been the Selby & Ainsty MP since 2010 and the constituency includes several villages in our district including Weeton, Huby, Spofforth and Kirkby Overblow.

The MP has already announced he plans to step down at the next general election.

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Traffic and Travel Alert: Harrogate district traffic roundup

Today is the last day before all children at Harrogate district secondary schools return. Tomorrow will see a sharp increase in morning traffic.

Here is your Stray Ferret traffic update.

Roads

Rayleigh Road in Harrogate is closed today due to roadworks.

Dunkeswick Lane near Kirkby Overblow is closed until September 18 due to roadworks. Diversions are in place.

Havikil Lane in Scotton is also closed until tomorrow in order to widen a footpath.

Trains and buses

Northern services between Harrogate and Knaresborough going to York and Leeds are scheduled to run as normal this morning.

A number of buses this morning have been cancelled by Transdev. The affected routes are below:

The 1
Starbeck to Harrogate 7.04am

The 1A
Harrogate to Aspin 9.41am
Aspin to Harrogate 10.06am

The 1B
Harrogate to Eastfield 8.31am
Eastfield to Harrogate 8.57am

The 1C
Harrogate to Carmires 6.51am
Carmires to Harrogate 7.18am

The 1D
Harrogate to Pastures 7.21am
Pastures to Harrogate 7.49am

#The7
Harrogate to Leeds 6.25am
Leeds to Harrogate 8.20am

#The36
Harrogate to Leeds 6.23am, 9am, 10.55am, 12.55pm, 2.55pm
King Edwards Dr Post Office to Leeds 6.56am
Leeds to Harrogate 7.40am, 8.40am, 9.55am, 11.55am, 1.55pm
Leeds to Starbeck 4pm

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Brimham Rocks activity farm closes

Brimham Rocks Activity Farm closed over the weekend.

The visitor attraction, which was part of a working farm, was popular with families who were able to pet animals such as goats, donkeys and pigs.

There was also a cafe and indoor play area for children.

It was a mile away from the National Trust site Brimham Rocks.

But a post on its Facebook page last week said that last weekend would be its last.

The post said:

“It is with heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close the doors from the 4th September.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff & customers for their support over the years!”

The post added that the farm will still be continuing and taking bookings for mobile petting farms, hog roasts and reindeer hire. 

The Stray Ferret called the farm for more details but was told the owners did not wish to comment.

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Harrogate’s Frog restaurant forced to change name after legal challenge

Frog bar and restaurant on King’s Road will change its name to Lilypad after a legal challenge from a London restaurant with a similar name.

Frog opened in April by friends Charlie Moorby and Tom Moxham to rave reviews.

The area is not known as a foodie hotspot but they have hopes it could help turn King’s Road into a destination hub.

But around a month ago they received legal contact on behalf of Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden, which said the Harrogate eatery had used its trademark.

The news came as a personal blow to the owners as they named the bar and restaurant after their favourite amphibian and there are around 70 images of frogs around venue. Mr Moorby told the Stray Ferret:

“Frustrating is one way to put it. We named it Frog because of personal connections.”

He said they were aware the London restaurant owned a trademark on the name ‘Frog’ before they opened, but said: “we did not think we would be perceived as a worry or would be confused with themselves.”

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Whilst the owners will shortly be removing all signs with the name Frog, Mr Moorby says the new name, Lilypad, retains the DNA of its former title.

He assured customers that nothing about the restaurant will change, except the name.

Mr Moorby added:

“We’re a fledgling business so it wasn’t welcome, but we’ll take the challenge on and roll with the punches.”

The Stray Ferret contacted Frog By Adam Handling Group for a response but we did not receive one at the time of publication.

Closure notice published for Harrogate school

North Yorkshire County Council has published a closure notice for Woodfield Community Primary School that proposes to shut the school for good on December 31.

The document, which is available to read here, said governors have “exhausted all options” to keep the school in Bilton open.

It gives reasons that led to the decision, which it says began when the school was rated inadequate by Ofsted in 2020 and placed into special measures.

The rating meant the school had to become a sponsored academy, but it failed to find a backer.

A proposed merger with Grove Road Community Primary School fell through this year.

The notice says there were 36 pupils enrolled at the school as of July 4, as well as 9 children in its nursery.

Just four applicants put Woodfield as their preferred school for reception entry in September.

The notice also proposes that should the school close, the catchment areas of Bilton Grange Primary School and Grove Road Community Primary School would be expanded to include the current Woodfield school catchment area or parts of it.

A consultation will run until October 6 on the closure. Comments can be made to schoolorganisation@northyorks.gov.uk

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Drone shots reveal restoration of Harrogate’s Plumpton Rocks

Drone shots taken of Plumpton Rocks over the weekend reveal the newly restored site is looking better than ever.

The Grade II* listed visitor attraction reopened on Saturday after being closed to visitors for almost three years.

The site fell into disrepair towards the end of the last century before Historic England added it to the “Heritage at Risk Register” in 2012.

Since then Historic England has worked with the current owners and spent more than £400,000.

Plumpton Rocks closed again in October 2019 to do further work on the dam and bring it up to standard for the Reservoirs Act 1975, but covid further delayed the works.

Much of the work has been to restore the lake back to how it looked in the 18th century.

Credit – Darren Leeming

The owner of the site, Robert de Plumpton Hunter, told the Stray Ferret that he used artwork created by one of the most famous ever English painters to inspire the restoration.

Turner painted a watercolour of Plumpton Rocks in 1797 and more sketches of the site are stored at the Tate in London, which were used to inspire the refurbishment.

Mr Hunter said:

“You really got a feel of what the landscape looked like 200 years ago, and we were able to use those sketches to aid the restoration. If Turner turned up now he would absolutely recognise the landscape, that is special.”

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Former Grove Road headteacher creates calming meditation CD for children

The modern world can feel like a busy place for children, so a former headteacher of Grove Road Community Primary School has created a CD of non-religious meditations to help them live in the moment.

The health benefits of meditation for adults are well documented. It can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and alleviate depression.

But studies have also shown that teaching children how to meditate can help them become more secure and happy in themselves.

Nigel Steele was a popular headteacher of Grove Road from 1977 to 1994 before retiring.

In the 1980s and 90s, he saw how technology was beginning to have more influence in children’s lives, and not always for the better.

Fast forward to today, many parents are concerned about the amount of screen time that children are exposed to every day.

Mr Steele said:

“I noticed it as a head, children were beginning to be absorbed by something on a screen. It was having an effect on how their minds were developing. 

“‘You are what you eat’ is a very common expression, to do with our diet and the way our bodies develop. Another thing that isn’t quite as common, ‘all that you do begins in your mind’.”

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Mr Steele wrote 42 guided meditations that he would use in assembly each week at Grove Road, with the children sitting quietly and taking in simple concepts like peace, breathing and relaxation.

The meditations would include things the children could envisage in their minds such as autumn leaves, waterfalls or blades of grass.

Mr Steele said:

“It gave them a positive influence. We spent all this time developing children’s minds, it was amazing how influential in children’s minds, as we get more and more developed in technology.”

The teacher has fond memories of his time at Grove Road and said the meditations were one of the most rewarding things about his 17 years at the school. He added:

“I got quite a lot of feedback from children about how much better they felt when they had an assembly with a meditation, and how much better they felt when they went to bed at night. Their mind could escape into these situations and concepts.”

If you would like a copy of the CD which includes nine meditations and an accompanying booklet, you can email Howard Quinn at howard.quinn@dechen.org

One of the meditations is available to read below: