Previously closed pubs and restaurants in the district have been inundated with bookings ahead of restrictions easing next Monday.
This is the first time many venues without large outdoor seating areas have been able to open in five months.
We spoke to three local independent venues to hear how they’ve dealt with the sudden demand.
The Tannin Level on Raglan Street told the Stray Ferret that they’re almost fully booked for their first week of opening, with the second week filling up fast. Owner, John Roberts, describes the prospect of reopening as “daunting but exciting”.
“It will feel strange after having the place so quiet and empty for so long.
“We’ve taken time to redecorate and look at our menu. We’re trying to use ask much local produce as possible and support the North Yorkshire economy.
“By supporting local independents you’re supporting the local economy.”
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Mike Schofield owns The Shepherd’s Dog on Otley Road. While they could have opened sooner using outdoor space, they decided that it would be a gamble to open with such unpredictable weather.
They will be opening on a first-come-first-served basis but have already heard from people excited to get back.
“There’s a big demand from people wanting to drink inside.
“[Local pubs] have gambled their futures this year and now people want to support the local independents.”
The Two Brothers Grill and Pizzeria in Knaresborough is also fully booked on 17 May. While the venue does have a courtyard, owner Nandor Ravasz told the Stray Ferret they were unable to use it for outdoor seating as it did not comply with covid regulations:
“We’re excited to get back and see out customers. We have lots of bookings coming in very fast.”
